Scientists Discover Worlds Rarest Coral
By David Baxter, August 18, 2010 @ 10:59 AM (EST)
Source: MSNBC
Scientists have reported the world’s rarest coral, the Pacific Elkhorn coral, has been found in a remote corner of the North Pacific and are absolutely ecstatic. The Pacific Elkhorn coral (Acropora Rotumana) grows in relatively shallow water along exposed reef front. The coral derives its name from it resembling elk antlers and is an incredibly fast growing coral, with an average growth rate of 5 to 10 centimetres (2.0 to 3.9 in) per year.
The formations found in this remote area have measured approx 16 feet (5 meters) across and nearly 7 feet (2 m) high, showing they have been growing in this region for an extended period of time. Scientists from all over the world are very excited about this find as they believe this type of Elkhorn has not been seen before in the Pacific region for over 100 years. However due to lack of genetic information they are unable to match this find with other Elkhorn corals found throughout the Pacific region.
Since 1980, large populations of Elkhorn have collapsed from disease outbreaks, with losses compounded by hurricanes, increased predation, bleaching, elevated temperatures, and damage from sedimentation. They have been classified as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List , hence the excitement of this find.
Restoration efforts have included attempts to culture larvae, enhancing sexual recruitment, re-establishing ecological roles within reef systems (e.g. herbivorous urchins), and other methods for controlling predators and disease, all with little success.
The formations found in this remote area have measured approx 16 feet (5 meters) across and nearly 7 feet (2 m) high, showing they have been growing in this region for an extended period of time. Scientists from all over the world are very excited about this find as they believe this type of Elkhorn has not been seen before in the Pacific region for over 100 years. However due to lack of genetic information they are unable to match this find with other Elkhorn corals found throughout the Pacific region.
Since 1980, large populations of Elkhorn have collapsed from disease outbreaks, with losses compounded by hurricanes, increased predation, bleaching, elevated temperatures, and damage from sedimentation. They have been classified as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List , hence the excitement of this find.
Restoration efforts have included attempts to culture larvae, enhancing sexual recruitment, re-establishing ecological roles within reef systems (e.g. herbivorous urchins), and other methods for controlling predators and disease, all with little success.
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