elkhorn

One of the 10 focal EDGE evolutionarily distinct and globally endangered coral reefs species, the elkhorn coral, has undergone an 95% decline in many areas of the shallow Caribbean reefs in past 3 decades.

Conservationists unveil plans to save coral from extinction 2011

A new, genetically unique type of pacific elkhorn coral has been identified on top of an atoll in the Marshall Islands, reports Zeenews. ““The fact that these colonies might represent a species that has not been seen for over a hundred years A.rotumana says something about how much we know about the remote reefs of North Pacific,” said David Miller, a scientist at James Cook University.

Andrew Wetzler: Wildlife Roundup: The Good News Andrew Wetzler 2010

A new, genetically unique, type of pacific elkhorn coral has been identified on top of an atoll in the Marshall Islands, reportsZeenews.

Andrew Wetzler: Wildlife Roundup: the Good News 2010

Many Caribbean reef crests are heavily dominated by elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata).

Coral reef zonation 2010

Another disease known as white pox increased in severity on elkhorn corals (Acropora palmata).

Global warming takes a toll on coral reefs 2009

Consensus remains, however, that the current abundance of elkhorn and staghorn corals has declined drastically from their historic abundances throughout their entire range.

Corals as endangered species 2008

It is in this way that elkhorn, (Acropora palmata) and staghorn (Acropora cervicornis) benefit from protection of the Endangered Species Act. Corals and the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Corals as endangered species 2008

Bleached elkhorn coral near St. Croix, USVI, in October 2005.

Coral bleaching, satellite observations, and coral reef protection 2008

For these reasons and the mandate that any invertebrate be assessed according to the entirety of its range, the listing of elkhorn and staghorn corals as vulnerable under the Endangered Species Act has been a long and drawn out process.

Corals as endangered species 2008

These findings, followed by a public comment period, led to the final inclusion of elkhorn and staghorn corals as vulnerable under the ESA.

Corals as endangered species 2008