PERU — The film uncovers the connection between one of Peru’s most iconic cultural traditions and one of its most endangered marine species. In northern fishing communities, the rostral teeth of the largetooth sawfish, once thought extinct in the waters off Peru, have long been carved into razor-sharp spurs for cockfights. Today, even as the […]

PERU — The film uncovers the connection between one of Peru’s most iconic cultural traditions and one of its most endangered marine species. In northern fishing communities, the rostral teeth of the largetooth sawfish, once thought extinct in the waters off Peru, have long been carved into razor-sharp spurs for cockfights. Today, even as the practice becomes illegal and increasingly discouraged within the sport, the teeth still circulate through informal markets, fueled by economic desperation and cultural pride. Through the perspectives of a fisherman who accidentally captured a massive sawfish at sea, a young scientist who fought to save one on a chaotic dock, a biologist documenting the species’ decline, and a cockfighting leader pushing to eliminate animal-based spurs, the film reveals a complex conservation story. Mongabay’s Video Team wants to cover questions and topics that matter to you. Are there any inspiring people, urgent issues, or local stories that you’d like us to cover? We want to hear from you. Be a part of our reporting process—get in touch with us here! Banner image: Collage featuring cockfighting and a largetooth sawfish. The man who risked everything to steal bird eggsThis article was originally published on Mongabay

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