Abstract:
The Critically Endangered largetooth sawfish Pristis pristis is one of the most threat-
ened elasmobranch species and is currently thought to be locally extinct in at least 27 countries.
Although largetooth sawfish information in Central America is scarce, recent records show that
this species is still present in Costa Rica, yet its distribution and current status remain unclear. This
study investigated the spatial and temporal distribution of the largetooth sawfish in Costa Rica and
identified local threats affecting the populations. We conducted 275 structured interviews in
coastal and riverine communities across the country, which resulted in 134 confirmed records in
the Pacific, 1 in the Caribbean and 51 in the northern region. Historical and recent records suggest
the largetooth sawfish has undergone significant reductions in abundance and distribution from
coastal and riverine areas, mainly due to interaction with fishing gear such as gill nets and hook
and line. Most sawfish captured by gill nets were reported in the Central Pacific region, whereas
hook and line records were more common in the northern region and the South Pacific. Although
largetooth sawfish populations in Costa Rica have followed the global decline trend, we found 2
main hotspots where recent sightings and captures appear to be more common, suggesting there
is still hope for the species to recover in Costa Rica and possibly in the region. Moreover, Costa
Rica recently became the 17th country to ratify national legal protection for sawfishes, which may
strengthen conservation efforts to protect populations locally and in the Central American region.
