NOAA - Elkhorn and staghorn corals listed in threatened status

[MoonWrasse]

ELKHORN AND STAGHORN CORALS LISTED IN THREATENED STATUS
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May 5, 2006 — The NOAA Fisheries Service announced its decision Thursday to list elkhorn (Acropora palmata) and staghorn corals (Acropora cervicornis) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The final rule will be published next week, and the listing will be effective 30 days after that date. This will be the first time a coral has been listed as endangered or threatened under the ESA. A species is considered endangered if it is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. A species is considered threatened if it is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future.
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http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2006/s2627.htm

So, how threatened are staghorn corals in the rest of the world?

 

[maractwin]

While there are corals commonly called "staghorn" in other parts of the world, they are different species. Acropora palmata only grows in the Caribbean.

While staghorns may be common in other parts of the world, these days all coral reefs are under stress due to ocean warming and other pressures.

-Mark