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Endangered Species in the Coral Reefs

Twenty-five percent of all marine species inhabit coral reefs. The ecosystem is found in tropical waters in the Red Sea, Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean. However, some researchers believe that within 30 years, up to 30 percent of reefs could be dead. Their survival is threatened by global warming, pollution and sedimentation. As a result, species of animals living in coral reef areas are also endangered.

Elkhorn Coral
- Elkhorn coral branches can grow up to 4 inches per year.
  
  Elkhorn coral is one of the corals that is threatened with extinction. It is a large coral with thick, sturdy antler-like branches. It reaches full growth in approximately 10 to 12 years. It inhabits coral reefs in the Bahamas, Caribbean and southern Florida. Since 1980 almost 95 percent of elkhorn coral has been destroyed. Coral is extremely sensitive to changes in environmental conditions. As a result, disease, hurricanes, rise in water temperature and bleaching have threatened the survival of elkhorn.
Blue Whale
- The blue whale is the largest of the whale subspecies.
  
  The blue whale is the largest animal in the world and can weigh up to 200 tons. It is a frequent visitor to the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia. Krill is the blue whale's main source of food. Krill can be found in reefs, which is why the blue whale lives in reef areas. A blue whale can eat up to 4 tons of krill a day. It usually lives alone but will sometimes travel in small groups. The species was hunted brutally in the 1900s and only came under protection in 1966. Other causes of blue whale endangerment are a loss of habitat and injury from boat collisions.
Dugong
- Another endangered coral reef species is the dugong. The vegetarian animal is also known as a sea cow because it grazes sea grass beds found around areas of a reef. It inhabits warm coastal reefs from east Africa to North Australia. The dugong can stay underwater for six minutes at a time. It feeds day and night, and is a peaceful animal. It moves at a slow pace, which makes it an ideal target for hunters who seek its meat, bones, skin and oil.
Hawksbill Sea Turtle
- A Hawksbill turtle can live for an estimated 50 years.
  
  The hawksbill seas turtle is an endangered subspecies of turtle found in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans. It stays around reef coastlines because sandy beaches are close by to nest in. A turtle mates in shallow waters, lays its eggs in a hole dug on a sandy beach then leaves. When the eggs hatch, the young turtles must make the short journey to the sea alone. Hawksbills feed on the rich sponges of the reefs. They also eat crustaceans, sea urchins, jellyfish and algae. The hawksbill is under threat by human activity. Hawksbill eggs are eaten around the world while adults are hunted for the colorful, hard shell on their backs. The loss of healthy reef habitat is also a big factor in their endangerment.

Nature