Freshwater stingrays of South America face habitat degradation from river modification, fishing, and the aquarium trade that threatens their welfare.
Freshwater stingrays captured for the aquarium trade experience transport stress and frequently die from improper water conditions and inadequate care in captivity. Habitat degradation from sedimentation and water quality decline reduces prey availability and forces stingrays into suboptimal microhabitats. Dam construction that fragments river systems prevents movement needed for reproduction and feeding.