I would like my privacy: insights on the possible presence of an important conservation site for the endemic skate Leucoraja melitensis (Clark, 1926)

The report of a capture of an “unusual” small skate from crew members involved in fishing activities in the Sentinelle bank (Central Mediterranean Sea), along with the description provided, led us to hypothesise that it could be Leucoraja melitensis, whose geographical range does not cover this area. For this reason, considering the alarming conservation status of this Mediterranean endemism and its data paucity, we decided to proceed with ad-hoc samplings. More than 200 skates were caught and classified as L. melitensis both morphologically and genetically. Molecular analysis showed demographic/spatial fluctuations, ascribable to a population bottleneck event followed by rapid demographic growth. Moreover, the sampled population was composed mainly of mature specimens classified as capable of reproduction or in active reproductive stages (> 85%). In contrast, only few immature specimens were observed, indicating that the site may represent an important mating area. Furthermore, the analysis of vertebral sections revealed that the sample was almost entirely composed of specimens with ages between 3 and 5 years. Our results, besides providing evidence of an extended geographical range, could offer new molecular and life-history data that are essential for future conservation plans regarding the species.