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Elkhorn coral

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561: 481: 745:. Climate change refers to the general warming of earth's average temperature caused by carbon emissions. Warmer atmospheric temperatures incidentally also increase water temperature. As mentioned, Elkhorn coral have special algae called zooxanthellae, living on their tissues, which provide many benefits. However, when water temperatures warm, Elkhorn coral expel their zooxanthellae. Without their zooxanthellae, Elkhorn coral first lose their prime oxygen source, then color, and then usually die. In addition, climate change increases the severity and prevalence of storms, which can decimate Elkhorn coral populations. 582:
a diameter of 4 m (12 feet) wide and 2 m(6 feet) tall. Under stressful conditions, Elkhorn coral colonies and fragment growth slow down substantially. For example, the Fortuna Reefer Vessel grounding site showed no measurable growth over the last ten years due to stress. Elkhorn coral create thick, interlocking groups known as thickets. Thickets provide shelter to other marine life such as fish, crustaceans, and marine invertebrates, and consist of many identical polyps that have grown together. These dense groups provide protection to shorelines against large waves and storms.
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level changes. The branching morphology created homes and protection for many other reef organisms. Since its decline, no other coral species has been able to fulfill these ecosystem functions. As mentioned, the species faces many threats, which include but are not limited to disease, temperature-induced bleaching, and physical damage from hurricanes. The BRT determined that Elkhorn coral was not at risk for extinction, but could become so in the foreseeable future because its population sizes were low and the severity of threats was predicted to increase.
403: 721: 682:, as either threatened or endangered. The NMFS determined that the petition contained substantial information and established the Atlantic Acropora Biological Review Team (BRT) to review the status of these coral species. The BRT included a diverse group of experts from many different scientific fields, including coral conservationists. The BRT published a status review on March 3, 2005, which summarized the relevant, published literature on these species, comments from the public, and an assessment regarding current conservation efforts. 139: 530: 463:. In the morning, zooplankton sink to the depths of the ocean where predators are scarce, and then come nightfall, they rise back towards the surface. By concentrating their predation activities at night, Elkhorn coral expend less energy catching large amounts of prey. However, because filter feeding is more energy intensive than relying on zooxanthellae, Elkhorn coral will only resort to this feeding method when water conditions are poor and block out sunlight. 114: 786: 757:. Ocean acidification refers to the growing acidity of marine water caused by the increasing presence of dissolved carbon dioxide, a result of carbon emissions. The skeleton of Elkhorn coral is made of calcium carbonate. Carbon dioxide forms chemical bonds with water and, through chemical reactions, remove carbonate ions that the corals need to make calcium carbonate. With fewer carbonate ions, the coral skeletons are weaker and break easier. 569: 1878: 596:
rates are low in Elkhorn coral which limit the growth of new colonies. The probability of successful reproduction rates are low in Elkhorn coral because only about 50% of Elkhorn corals are genetically unique individuals. The Elkhorn coral reproduction cycle occurs once per year, after a full moon in the late summer, during the months of either July, August, or September. The gametes are released for only a few nights by
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study done from 2005-2015 shows that the Elkhorn coral population had a proportional decline of 0.4-0.7 times in colony density across the entirety of its occupied range. This decline indicates that despite conservation efforts, the population is still decreasing. Overall, there are no concrete estimates of current or historical population sizes due to technological limitations.
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and St. Thomas area, and St. Croix. These areas were specifically chosen because they contain the surface features which are necessary for the conservation of Elkhorn. In order to increase the amount of successful sexual and asexual reproduction events, the species require hard surfaces within water depths ranging from the mean high water line to about 30 meters.
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being planted in the ocean. However, new research suggests that Elkhorn coral can be planted in the ocean after just two weeks of being raised in a nursery. This decrease in nursery time makes it approximately 30 times cheaper to rear Elkhorn coral now. This cost reduction makes it financially easier for nations to restore their reefs.
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affects Elkhorn coral by reducing fish populations that feed on harmful macroalgae. Macroalgae damage Elkhorn coral by producing toxic chemicals and by decreasing the nearby available oxygen. Macroalgae can further harm Elkhorn coral by facilitating pathogen growth. Also, macroalgae reduce the amount
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The BRT's status review concluded that the ESA should list the Elkhorn coral as a threatened species, given the importance of its ecosystem contributions and the severity of the numerous threats impacting the species. As a formerly abundant species, its high growth rate allowed it to keep up with sea
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Elkhorn coral colonies live for centuries. These colonies grow 5–10 cm (2-4 inches) each year, reaching maximum size in 10 to 12 years. Healthy Elkhorn coral can grow up to 13 cm (5 inches) in branch length a year, making them one of the fastest growing coral species. Elkhorn coral can span
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Elkhorn coral live in shallow habitats, which give them abundant access to light. Like all animals, Elkhorn coral requires oxygen to survive, most of which they obtain through special, photosynthetic algae living in their tissues called zooxanthellae. Therefore, in order to help zooxanthellae produce
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antlers; hence, the common name. The branching structure creates habitat and shelter for many other reef species. Elkhorn coral is known to grow quickly with an average growth rate of 5 to 10 cm (2.0 to 3.9 in) per year. They can reproduce both sexually and asexually, though asexual reproduction
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On November 26, 2008, the NMFS issued a final rule, effective December 26, 2008, which designated 2,959 square miles (7,664 sq km) as critical habitat for Elkhorn coral. The habitat described is composed of four different areas, which include the coasts surrounding Florida, Puerto Rico, the St. John
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There are four critical habitats for the Elkhorn coral that are essential to the conservation of this species. The specific regions designated and protected by the Endangered Species Act as critical habitats include regions in Florida (1,329 square miles of marine habitat), Puerto rico (3,582 square
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In 2009, the United States government enacted the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which provided funding for coral conservation through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) department. This funding allowed for the creation of a network of coral nurseries throughout the
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This latter goal is especially important for conservation. Elkhorn coral are capable of both sexual and asexual reproduction; however, asexual reproduction is more common, which has resulted in only about 50% of Elkhorn being genetic individuals. The lack of genetic variation makes the species more
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activities. Elkhorn coral live within very shallow regions, enabling their photosynthetic zooxanthellae to receive much light. When waters become turbid, or cloudy, access to this light is impeded. With less available light, less photosynthesis occurs, and thus zooxanthellae produce less oxygen. As
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Elkhorn coral provide insulation from storms to beaches and reefs. Their thick branches absorb the energy of storm waves, in turn, dissipating the force that crashes into beach shorelines. With less force, beachfront properties experience less damage, reducing the financial demand needed to restore
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Like the foundation of a house, Elkhorn coral support coral reef communities. Their interwoven lattice-like branches create a variety of habitats varying in topography, which in turn, support diverse fish populations. These habitats support fish nurseries and protect fish from predators, increasing
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These corals are found in clear, shallow water throughout the Bahamas, Florida, the Caribbean, and beyond to the northern shores of Venezuela. The most northern region occupied by Elkhorn coral is off the coast of Broward County, Florida. Characteristically found in shallow, turbulent water ranging
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Even 14 years after being listed as threatened, the Elkhorn coral remains so. This failure is in part due to the time and energy-intensive procedures that were previously required to rehabilitate Elkhorn coral reefs. These procedures needed coral to be grown for months to years in nurseries before
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While the United States had some policy in place before the listing, many other nations did not. Given that the range of the Elkhorn coral extends along the coasts of several different countries, the inconsistency in policy presented an issue. The official listing of Elkhorn coral allowed for the
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comprised the southeastern reefs. Research has shown that the Elkhorn coral evolved during the Mid-Pliocene epoch, 5.2-2.58 million years ago. The unstable climate during this period allowed Elkhorn coral to thrive during glacial and interglacial events. During glacial events, sea levels rise and
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In September 2014, the NMFS published a final rule on the listing status of 65 reef-building coral species. This included a re-evaluation of the status of Elkhorn coral. The coral was kept listed as threatened due to concerns from the public that listing it as endangered might impact the ongoing
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However, many members of the scientific community and the public expressed disagreement with this proposed reclassification. Several comments referenced instances of increasing abundance and recovering populations with some citing population and genetic diversity statistics as well as population
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Elkhorn coral populations once dominated the southeastern region of the Northern hemisphere. Due to bleaching events, disease, and climate change, Elkhorn population has significantly decreased since the 1980s. In total, 80-98% of the Caribbean coral reef population has been lost. A longitudinal
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The Elkhorn coral is a simultaneous hermaphrodite, meaning that in each coral colony both egg and sperm are produced. Despite this, self-fertilization usually does not occur. In order for successful fertilization to take place, two genetically distinct parents are needed. Successful reproduction
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In 2012, there was discussion surrounding the status of Elkhorn coral and whether it should be reclassified from threatened to endangered. The reasoning behind this proposed change was the continued population decline since the time of the ESA listing in 2006 as well as evidence of recruitment
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Since the 1980s, Elkhorn coral populations have rapidly declined by an estimated 97%. Elkhorn coral was initially recognized as a candidate for ESA listing in June 1991, but was removed from the list of candidates in 1997 for a lack of sufficient evidence in regard to their status and threats.
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Most commonly, Elkhorn coral reproduce asexually, their most common type of reproduction. During storms, strong waves, or ship disturbances, fragments of coral break off and are transported to other areas where new colonies can begin. The new colonies are genetically identical to their parent
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The NMFS published a recovery plan in March 2015, which clearly outlined the conservation goals and efforts for Elkhorn coral. This document indicated that the main goals are to increase the abundance of this species and protect the genetic diversity throughout its entire range.
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Quantitative data available on the distribution and abundance of Elkhorn coral is scarce. Present locations of the Elkhorn coral include the southern coasts of Florida and the northern regions of the Gulf of Mexico. Elkhorn coral are also located in the Bay Islands of Honduras.
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Prior to the ESA listing in 2006, there were no regulatory mechanisms in place to protect Elkhorn coral. Some documentation with regulations existed; however, no documents specifically mentioned by name the Elkhorn coral or any other Acropora corals.
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Several factors limit the amount of information regarding the life history of Elkhorn coral. These factors include the necessity for additional tools to assess future population changes, sexual reproduction, and environmental disturbances.
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waters off the coast of southern Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands for the recovery of Elkhorn coral. The nurseries have proven helpful in conducting genetic research in the facilitation of overall reef growth and restoration.
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After reviewing the BRT's 2005 status report, the NMFS published a final rule on the status of Elkhorn coral on May 9, 2006. Effective June 8, 2006, the species was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
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models. Many people argued that there had been significant advances in active restoration projects, and they feared that listing this coral as endangered would possibly disrupt and discourage the ongoing conservation efforts.
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Most of the ongoing restoration projects for Elkhorn coral involve the creation of protected areas, which are intended to promote reproduction and growth by minimizing some of the threats to the species.
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However, they were re-added to this list in 1999 due to concrete evidence of their population decline. In April 2004, they were transferred from the candidate species list to the species of concern list.
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as well as Milleporina corals from collection, commercial exploitation, and direct physical damage. Puerto Rico also established similar laws protecting corals and encouraging conservation. In 2001, the
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Although Elkhorn coral dominated the Caribbean in the early 1980s, the species has since dramatically declined in numbers. Scientists have estimated that between 1980 and 2006, when it was listed in the
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from 1 to 5 meters, Elkhorn coral thrive best in high-energy zones where wave action is frequent. This success is because wave action increases fragmentation, which allows more new colonies to form.
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Due to fragmentation and rapid growth rates, Elkhorn coral were the primary foundation in the development of the Caribbean coral reefs. Over the last 5,000 years, Elkhorn coral, Staghorn coral, and
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cause an increase in wave energy. As previously mentioned, Elkhorn coral does best in environments that are shallow and experience high energy changes, which aid in the reproductive process.
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failure in several populations. The persisting population decline was potentially attributable to several increasing threats such as ocean acidification and levels of thermal stress.
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or water clarity. During bleaching events, or long-term periods of increased turbidity, Elkhorn coral can obtain nourishment from alternative food sources through filter feeding.
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as much oxygen as possible, Elkhorn coral live in shallow regions between 1 and 5 meters deep to ensure that abundant light reaches the zooxanthellae, maximizing photosynthesis.
1318:"Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Final Listing Determinations on Proposal To List 66 Reef-Building Coral Species and To Reclassify Elkhorn and Staghorn Corals" 822:
Untreated wastewater also contains high levels of nutrients, which increase macroalgae growth. As mentioned above, this macroalgae growth is detrimental to Elkhorn survival.
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Most of the existing regulation was intended to protect corals against physical impacts incurred through fishing gear, anchoring, and vessel grounding. Florida law protects
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colonies, while sexual reproduction results in new genotypes. Also, as opposed to sexual reproduction, fragmentation can occur at any time of the year.
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eggs and sperm into a water column. Once fertilized, the eggs develop into larvae that settle on hard surfaces and begin the growth of a new colony.
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stated earlier, most of the oxygen coral receive is from their zooxanthellae, so without this oxygen, Elkhorn coral can quickly suffocate and die.
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Another stressor is an increase in water turbidity. This turbidity increase can result from a myriad of issues like untreated wastewater and
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All of these stressors independently weaken corals. Collectively they reduce the chance that corals have of surviving any single stressor.
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miles of marine habitat), St.John/St.Thomas (121 square miles of marine habitat), and St.Croix area (126 square miles of marine habitat).
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Elkhorn coral can also use filter feeding techniques to obtain food. At night, Elkhorn coral use their tentacles to snatch free-swimming
1670:"Sediment Stress, Water Turbidity, and Sewage Impacts on Threatened Elkhorn Coral (Acropora palmata) Stands at Vega Baja, Puerto Rico" 2474: 1245:
Ferrario, Filippo; Beck, Michael W.; Storlazzi, Curt D.; Micheli, Fiorenza; Shepard, Christine C.; Airoldi, Laura (May 13, 2014).
560: 480: 2513: 394:. Some conservation efforts are now in place to protect the species and promote increased genetic variability among the species. 1719:"Restoration of critically endangered elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) populations using larvae reared from wild-caught gametes" 419:. These structures can be over 2 (> 6 ft.) meters high and 13 meters (43 ft) wide and are a dull, brownish-yellow. 2059: 2578: 2211: 543:
reef diversity. This elevated diversity makes the reefs more appealing to tourists, thereby increasing their economic value.
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of suitable areas where Elkhorn coral larvae attach, reducing the ability for Elkhorn reefs to recover.
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Elkhorn coral face many global threats such as climate change, ocean acidification, and overfishing.
138: 2236: 2089: 2054: 485: 35: 2544: 2622: 2079: 956: 460: 1753: 1371:"Reef-scale trends in Florida Acropora spp. abundance and the effects of population enhancement" 1127:"Endangered and Threatened Species; Critical Habitat for Threatened Elkhorn and Staghorn Corals" 2609: 2505: 2378: 2221: 2074: 52: 872:. The creation of these two monuments established thousands of acres of non-extractive zones. 2604: 2216: 2180: 2144: 1986: 1974: 1952: 861: 233: 2596: 2531: 1224:"Reef fish communities associated with Acropora Palmata: relationship to benthic attributes" 1155: 678:(NMFS) received a petition to list the Elkhorn coral, Staghorn coral, and a hybrid species, 2425: 2326: 2264: 2069: 1777: 1622: 1563: 1503: 1258: 1196: 8: 2430: 2244: 2039: 2014: 754: 103: 1626: 1567: 1552:"Human Pathogen Shown to Cause Disease in the Threatened Eklhorn Coral Acropora palmata" 1507: 1262: 1200: 2570: 2190: 2175: 2124: 2064: 1586: 1551: 1524: 1491: 1397: 1370: 1287: 1246: 1056: 798:
Human pathogens found in untreated wastewater are especially harmful to Elkhorn coral.
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As mentioned, Elkhorn coral have special algae living in their tissues known as
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susceptible to threats and is, therefore, an important focus for conservation.
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Elkhorn coral's primary source of nutrients comes from photosynthetic algae,
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Aronson, R.; Bruckner, A.; Moore, J.; Precht, B.; E. Weil. (2008).
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In ESA listings, Elkhorn coral is listed alongside Staghorn coral,
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Endangered Species Act - Section 7 Consultation Biological Opinion
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restoration projects as people may see them as less worthwhile.
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Proceedings of the 63rd Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute
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Elkhorn coral produce hard antler-like structures composed of
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10.1130/0091-7613(1997)025<0891:ELPFAO>2.3.CO;2
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is much more common and occurs through a process called
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Elkhorn coral provide important reef-building services.
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Like other species, Elkhorn coral are threatened by
1754:NOAA Fisheries Species Directory - Elkhorn Coral ( 1667: 817: 669: 2663: 1463:"Welcome to the NOAA Institutional Repository |" 1093:"Welcome to the NOAA Institutional Repository |" 1615:Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 825: 814:wiped out 75% of the Caribbean corals in 2005. 612: 1981:The Structure and Distribution of Coral Reefs 1778: 365:) is an important reef-building coral in the 957:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2008.RLTS.T133006A3536699.en 685: 484:Elkhorn Coral with a Yellowtail Damselfish ( 2672:IUCN Red List critically endangered species 1716: 876:establishment of more specific protection. 698: 639: 459:from the water. Zooplankton complete daily 1792: 1785: 1771: 1608: 1549: 112: 93: 1734: 1644: 1634: 1585: 1575: 1523: 1396: 1386: 1342: 1286: 1054: 955: 864:established two national monuments – the 71:Learn how and when to remove this message 1489: 784: 719: 653: 567: 559: 537: 528: 479: 401: 34:This article includes a list of general 1369:Miller, Margaret (September 29, 2016). 1182: 892: 841: 603: 585: 2664: 2060:Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary 1545: 1543: 1485: 1483: 1368: 1221: 748: 631:Historical and present population size 590: 2377: 2376: 2212:Environmental issues with coral reefs 1766: 1717:Chamberland, Valerie (October 2015). 1457: 1455: 1453: 1451: 1449: 1422: 1420: 1418: 1416: 1343:Fisheries, NOAA (December 30, 2019). 1312: 1310: 1308: 1306: 1055:Fisheries, NOAA (December 30, 2019). 977: 879: 778:Local water pollution, also known as 753:Elkhorn coral are also threatened by 517: 1178: 1176: 1150: 1148: 1121: 1119: 1117: 1115: 1113: 1087: 1085: 1083: 1081: 1079: 1077: 1050: 1048: 1046: 1044: 1042: 1040: 1038: 1020: 1018: 1016: 1014: 1012: 1010: 1008: 793: 649:Endangered Species Act (ESA) listing 20: 1540: 1480: 1234:: 235–252 – via ResearchGate. 943:IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 789:Elkhorn coral threatened by disease 728: 621: 552:the homes and livelihoods of many. 546: 397: 13: 1668:Hernandez-Delgado (January 2010). 1446: 1413: 1303: 870:Buck Island Reef National Monument 773: 715: 504: 345:Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1860 313:Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1860 40:it lacks sufficient corresponding 14: 2698: 1747: 1680:: 83–92 – via ResearchGate. 1228:Journal of Marine Science - Miami 1173: 1145: 1110: 1074: 1035: 1005: 909: 847:Existing efforts prior to listing 736: 676:National Marine Fisheries Service 576: 450: 2255:International Coral Reef Society 2095:Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System 1876: 1183:McNeill, Donald (October 1997). 1057:"Elkhorn Coral | NOAA Fisheries" 1030:United States Corps of Engineers 992:World Register of Marine Species 564:Mature Elkhorn coral individuals 495: 475: 438: 137: 25: 2186:Stony coral tissue loss disease 1723:Global Ecology and Conservation 1710: 1684: 1661: 1602: 1362: 1336: 1238: 555: 1215: 971: 925: 818:Nutrient growth – algae growth 760: 670:Petition to list Elkhorn coral 572:Young Elkhorn coral individual 1: 2115:Northwestern Hawaiian Islands 918: 410: 1577:10.1371/journal.pone.0023468 826:Turbidity – water cloudiness 613:Historical and present range 7: 2140:Southeast Asian coral reefs 1736:10.1016/j.gecco.2015.10.005 1467:repository.library.noaa.gov 1222:Lirman, Diego (July 1999). 1097:repository.library.noaa.gov 10: 2703: 2100:New Caledonia barrier reef 1550:Sutherland (August 2011). 488:) in the Caribbean Sea in 466: 294:Madrepora muricata palmata 2385: 2314: 2282: 2235: 2204: 2163: 2000: 1992:Spur and groove formation 1923: 1885: 1874: 1804: 1739:– via ResearchGate. 1657:– via ResearchGate. 1490:Zanevald (June 7, 2016). 1211:– via ResearchGate. 866:Virgin Islands Coral Reef 686:ESA listing as threatened 261: 254: 239: 232: 134:Scientific classification 132: 110: 101: 92: 87: 2682:Corals described in 1816 2055:East African coral coast 1609:Patternson (July 2002). 699:Re-classification review 640:Life history limitations 486:Microspathodon chrysurus 286:Isopora muricata palmata 1024:Crabtree, R. E (2014). 422: 55:more precise citations. 2687:ESA threatened species 2222:Coral reef restoration 1636:10.1073/pnas.092260099 790: 725: 724:Deceased Elkhorn coral 573: 565: 534: 492: 407: 384:Endangered Species Act 2605:Paleobiology Database 2217:Coral reef protection 2181:Skeletal eroding band 1987:Catlin Seaview Survey 1975:Census of Coral Reefs 1953:mesophotic coral reef 1496:Nature Communications 1251:Nature Communications 950:: e.T133006A3536699. 862:National Park Service 788: 723: 654:Elkhorn coral decline 571: 563: 538:Reef-building service 532: 483: 406:Elkhorn coral habitat 405: 342:Madrepora thomassiana 119:Critically Endangered 2327:Aquaculture of coral 2110:Non-tropical regions 1324:. September 10, 2014 893:Restoration projects 842:Conservation efforts 604:Asexual reproduction 586:Reproductive biology 2245:Coral Reef Alliance 2135:Solomon Archipelago 2040:Belize Barrier Reef 2015:African coral reefs 1627:2002PNAS...99.8725P 1568:2011PLoSO...623468S 1516:10.1038/ncomms11833 1508:2016NatCo...711833Z 1263:2014NatCo...5.3794F 1201:1997Geo....25..891M 1133:. November 26, 2008 857:Scleractinia corals 755:ocean acidification 749:Ocean acidification 591:Sexual reproduction 318:Madrepora flabellum 104:Conservation status 2191:White band disease 2176:Black band disease 2145:Tuvalu Archipelago 2125:Raja Ampat Islands 2065:Great Barrier Reef 1388:10.7717/peerj.2523 1271:10.1038/ncomms4794 880:Conservation goals 802:, commonly called 791: 765:Like many corals, 726: 598:broadcast spawning 574: 566: 535: 524:ecosystem services 518:Ecosystem services 493: 408: 334:Madrepora perampla 278:Acropora flabellum 2659: 2658: 2592:Open Tree of Life 2379:Taxon identifiers 2370: 2369: 2278: 2277: 2196:White pox disease 2045:Coral Sea Islands 1621:(13): 8725–8730. 1156:"Species Profile" 804:white pox disease 794:White pox disease 417:calcium carbonate 354: 353: 346: 338: 330: 326:Madrepora palmata 322: 314: 310:Madrepora cornuta 306: 298: 290: 282: 274: 127: 81: 80: 73: 2694: 2652: 2651: 2639: 2638: 2626: 2625: 2613: 2612: 2600: 2599: 2587: 2586: 2574: 2573: 2561: 2560: 2548: 2547: 2535: 2534: 2522: 2521: 2509: 2508: 2496: 2495: 2483: 2482: 2470: 2469: 2460: 2459: 2447: 2446: 2444:acropora-palmata 2434: 2433: 2431:Acropora_palmata 2421: 2420: 2419: 2417:Acropora palmata 2406: 2405: 2404: 2387:Acropora palmata 2374: 2373: 2357:Deep-water coral 2332:Coral dermatitis 2233: 2232: 1948:Deep-water coral 1880: 1787: 1780: 1773: 1764: 1763: 1756:Acropora palmata 1741: 1740: 1738: 1714: 1708: 1707: 1705: 1703: 1696:Federal Register 1688: 1682: 1681: 1665: 1659: 1658: 1648: 1638: 1606: 1600: 1599: 1589: 1579: 1547: 1538: 1537: 1527: 1487: 1478: 1477: 1475: 1473: 1459: 1444: 1443: 1441: 1439: 1432:Federal Register 1424: 1411: 1410: 1400: 1390: 1366: 1360: 1359: 1357: 1355: 1340: 1334: 1333: 1331: 1329: 1322:Federal Register 1314: 1301: 1300: 1290: 1242: 1236: 1235: 1219: 1213: 1212: 1180: 1171: 1170: 1168: 1166: 1152: 1143: 1142: 1140: 1138: 1131:Federal Register 1123: 1108: 1107: 1105: 1103: 1089: 1072: 1071: 1069: 1067: 1052: 1033: 1022: 1003: 1002: 1000: 998: 984:(Lamarck, 1816)" 982:Acropora palmata 975: 969: 968: 966: 964: 959: 936:Acropora palmata 929: 812:Serra marcescens 800:Serra marcescens 729:Global stressors 622:Critical habitat 547:Storm protection 398:Species overview 362:Acropora palmata 344: 336: 328: 320: 312: 304: 296: 288: 280: 272: 245: 243:Acropora palmata 142: 141: 121: 116: 115: 97: 85: 84: 76: 69: 65: 62: 56: 51:this article by 42:inline citations 29: 28: 21: 16:Species of coral 2702: 2701: 2697: 2696: 2695: 2693: 2692: 2691: 2662: 2661: 2660: 2655: 2647: 2642: 2634: 2629: 2621: 2616: 2608: 2603: 2595: 2590: 2582: 2577: 2569: 2564: 2556: 2551: 2543: 2538: 2530: 2525: 2517: 2512: 2504: 2499: 2491: 2486: 2478: 2473: 2465: 2463: 2455: 2450: 2442: 2437: 2429: 2424: 2415: 2414: 2409: 2400: 2399: 2394: 2381: 2371: 2366: 2352:Coralline algae 2322:Artificial reef 2310: 2283:Symbiotic algae 2274: 2231: 2227:Reef resilience 2200: 2171:Coral bleaching 2159: 2025:Andros, Bahamas 1996: 1970:Coral reef fish 1919: 1881: 1872: 1800: 1791: 1750: 1745: 1744: 1715: 1711: 1701: 1699: 1698:. March 6, 2015 1690: 1689: 1685: 1666: 1662: 1607: 1603: 1548: 1541: 1488: 1481: 1471: 1469: 1461: 1460: 1447: 1437: 1435: 1426: 1425: 1414: 1367: 1363: 1353: 1351: 1341: 1337: 1327: 1325: 1316: 1315: 1304: 1243: 1239: 1220: 1216: 1181: 1174: 1164: 1162: 1154: 1153: 1146: 1136: 1134: 1125: 1124: 1111: 1101: 1099: 1091: 1090: 1075: 1065: 1063: 1053: 1036: 1023: 1006: 996: 994: 976: 972: 962: 960: 930: 926: 921: 912: 895: 882: 849: 844: 828: 820: 796: 776: 774:Local stressors 763: 751: 739: 731: 718: 716:Current threats 701: 688: 672: 656: 651: 642: 633: 624: 615: 606: 593: 588: 579: 558: 549: 540: 520: 507: 505:Niche evolution 498: 478: 469: 461:diel migrations 453: 441: 425: 413: 400: 350: 349: 302:Madrepora alces 289:(Lamarck, 1816) 281:(Lamarck, 1816) 265: 250: 249:(Lamarck, 1816) 247: 241: 228: 225:A. palmata 136: 128: 117: 113: 106: 77: 66: 60: 57: 47:Please help to 46: 30: 26: 17: 12: 11: 5: 2700: 2690: 2689: 2684: 2679: 2674: 2657: 2656: 2654: 2653: 2640: 2627: 2614: 2601: 2588: 2575: 2562: 2549: 2536: 2523: 2510: 2497: 2484: 2471: 2461: 2448: 2435: 2422: 2407: 2391: 2389: 2383: 2382: 2368: 2367: 2365: 2364: 2359: 2354: 2349: 2344: 2339: 2337:Precious coral 2334: 2329: 2324: 2318: 2316: 2312: 2311: 2309: 2308: 2307: 2306: 2299: 2286: 2284: 2280: 2279: 2276: 2275: 2273: 2272: 2267: 2262: 2257: 2252: 2247: 2241: 2239: 2230: 2229: 2224: 2219: 2214: 2208: 2206: 2202: 2201: 2199: 2198: 2193: 2188: 2183: 2178: 2173: 2167: 2165: 2164:Coral diseases 2161: 2160: 2158: 2157: 2152: 2150:Virgin Islands 2147: 2142: 2137: 2132: 2127: 2122: 2117: 2112: 2107: 2102: 2097: 2092: 2087: 2082: 2077: 2072: 2067: 2062: 2057: 2052: 2050:Coral Triangle 2047: 2042: 2037: 2032: 2027: 2022: 2017: 2012: 2006: 2004: 1998: 1997: 1995: 1994: 1989: 1984: 1977: 1972: 1967: 1962: 1957: 1956: 1955: 1945: 1940: 1935: 1929: 1927: 1921: 1920: 1918: 1917: 1912: 1907: 1902: 1897: 1891: 1889: 1883: 1882: 1875: 1873: 1871: 1870: 1864: 1858: 1857: 1856: 1851: 1841: 1836: 1831: 1826: 1821: 1816: 1810: 1808: 1802: 1801: 1790: 1789: 1782: 1775: 1767: 1761: 1760: 1749: 1748:External links 1746: 1743: 1742: 1709: 1683: 1660: 1601: 1539: 1479: 1445: 1412: 1361: 1335: 1302: 1237: 1214: 1172: 1144: 1109: 1073: 1034: 1004: 978:WoRMS (2010). 970: 923: 922: 920: 917: 911: 910:Rehabilitation 908: 894: 891: 881: 878: 848: 845: 843: 840: 827: 824: 819: 816: 795: 792: 775: 772: 762: 759: 750: 747: 743:climate change 738: 737:Climate change 735: 730: 727: 717: 714: 700: 697: 687: 684: 671: 668: 660:A. cervicornia 655: 652: 650: 647: 641: 638: 632: 629: 623: 620: 614: 611: 605: 602: 592: 589: 587: 584: 578: 577:Age and growth 575: 557: 554: 548: 545: 539: 536: 522:Through their 519: 516: 506: 503: 497: 494: 477: 474: 468: 465: 452: 451:Filter feeding 449: 440: 437: 424: 421: 412: 409: 399: 396: 392:staghorn coral 352: 351: 348: 347: 339: 331: 323: 315: 307: 299: 291: 283: 275: 270:Acropora alces 266: 263: 262: 259: 258: 252: 251: 248: 237: 236: 230: 229: 222: 220: 216: 215: 208: 204: 203: 198: 194: 193: 188: 184: 183: 178: 174: 173: 168: 164: 163: 158: 154: 153: 148: 144: 143: 130: 129: 111: 108: 107: 102: 99: 98: 90: 89: 88:Elkhorn coral 79: 78: 33: 31: 24: 15: 9: 6: 4: 3: 2: 2699: 2688: 2685: 2683: 2680: 2678: 2675: 2673: 2670: 2669: 2667: 2650: 2645: 2641: 2637: 2632: 2628: 2624: 2619: 2615: 2611: 2606: 2602: 2598: 2593: 2589: 2585: 2580: 2576: 2572: 2571:elkhorn-coral 2567: 2563: 2559: 2554: 2550: 2546: 2541: 2537: 2533: 2528: 2524: 2520: 2515: 2511: 2507: 2502: 2498: 2494: 2489: 2485: 2481: 2476: 2472: 2468: 2462: 2458: 2453: 2449: 2445: 2440: 2436: 2432: 2427: 2423: 2418: 2412: 2408: 2403: 2397: 2393: 2392: 2390: 2388: 2384: 2380: 2375: 2363: 2360: 2358: 2355: 2353: 2350: 2348: 2345: 2343: 2340: 2338: 2335: 2333: 2330: 2328: 2325: 2323: 2320: 2319: 2317: 2313: 2305: 2304: 2300: 2298: 2297: 2293: 2292: 2291: 2290:Zooxanthellae 2288: 2287: 2285: 2281: 2271: 2268: 2266: 2263: 2261: 2260:Project AWARE 2258: 2256: 2253: 2251: 2248: 2246: 2243: 2242: 2240: 2238: 2237:Organizations 2234: 2228: 2225: 2223: 2220: 2218: 2215: 2213: 2210: 2209: 2207: 2203: 2197: 2194: 2192: 2189: 2187: 2184: 2182: 2179: 2177: 2174: 2172: 2169: 2168: 2166: 2162: 2156: 2153: 2151: 2148: 2146: 2143: 2141: 2138: 2136: 2133: 2131: 2128: 2126: 2123: 2121: 2118: 2116: 2113: 2111: 2108: 2106: 2105:Ningaloo Reef 2103: 2101: 2098: 2096: 2093: 2091: 2088: 2086: 2083: 2081: 2078: 2076: 2073: 2071: 2068: 2066: 2063: 2061: 2058: 2056: 2053: 2051: 2048: 2046: 2043: 2041: 2038: 2036: 2033: 2031: 2028: 2026: 2023: 2021: 2018: 2016: 2013: 2011: 2010:List of reefs 2008: 2007: 2005: 2003: 2002:Coral regions 1999: 1993: 1990: 1988: 1985: 1983: 1982: 1978: 1976: 1973: 1971: 1968: 1966: 1963: 1961: 1958: 1954: 1951: 1950: 1949: 1946: 1944: 1941: 1939: 1936: 1934: 1931: 1930: 1928: 1926: 1922: 1916: 1913: 1911: 1908: 1906: 1903: 1901: 1898: 1896: 1893: 1892: 1890: 1888: 1884: 1879: 1869: 1865: 1863: 1859: 1855: 1852: 1850: 1847: 1846: 1845: 1842: 1840: 1837: 1835: 1832: 1830: 1827: 1825: 1822: 1820: 1817: 1815: 1812: 1811: 1809: 1807: 1803: 1799: 1795: 1788: 1783: 1781: 1776: 1774: 1769: 1768: 1765: 1759: 1757: 1752: 1751: 1737: 1732: 1728: 1724: 1720: 1713: 1697: 1693: 1687: 1679: 1675: 1671: 1664: 1656: 1652: 1647: 1642: 1637: 1632: 1628: 1624: 1620: 1616: 1612: 1605: 1597: 1593: 1588: 1583: 1578: 1573: 1569: 1565: 1562:(8): e23468. 1561: 1557: 1553: 1546: 1544: 1535: 1531: 1526: 1521: 1517: 1513: 1509: 1505: 1501: 1497: 1493: 1486: 1484: 1468: 1464: 1458: 1456: 1454: 1452: 1450: 1434:. May 9, 2006 1433: 1429: 1423: 1421: 1419: 1417: 1408: 1404: 1399: 1394: 1389: 1384: 1380: 1376: 1372: 1365: 1350: 1346: 1339: 1323: 1319: 1313: 1311: 1309: 1307: 1298: 1294: 1289: 1284: 1280: 1276: 1272: 1268: 1264: 1260: 1256: 1252: 1248: 1241: 1233: 1229: 1225: 1218: 1210: 1206: 1202: 1198: 1194: 1190: 1186: 1179: 1177: 1161: 1157: 1151: 1149: 1132: 1128: 1122: 1120: 1118: 1116: 1114: 1098: 1094: 1088: 1086: 1084: 1082: 1080: 1078: 1062: 1058: 1051: 1049: 1047: 1045: 1043: 1041: 1039: 1031: 1027: 1021: 1019: 1017: 1015: 1013: 1011: 1009: 993: 989: 985: 983: 974: 958: 953: 949: 945: 944: 939: 937: 928: 924: 916: 907: 903: 899: 890: 886: 877: 873: 871: 867: 863: 858: 853: 839: 836: 833: 832:beach erosion 823: 815: 813: 809: 805: 801: 787: 783: 781: 771: 768: 758: 756: 746: 744: 734: 722: 713: 709: 705: 696: 692: 683: 681: 677: 674:In 2004, the 667: 663: 661: 646: 637: 628: 619: 610: 601: 599: 583: 570: 562: 553: 544: 531: 527: 525: 515: 512: 502: 496:Niche habitat 491: 487: 482: 476:Elkhorn niche 473: 464: 462: 458: 448: 446: 445:zooxanthellae 439:Zooxanthellae 436: 434: 430: 429:zooxanthellae 420: 418: 404: 395: 393: 389: 385: 379: 377: 376:fragmentation 372: 368: 364: 363: 358: 357:Elkhorn coral 343: 340: 335: 332: 329:Lamarck, 1816 327: 324: 321:Lamarck, 1816 319: 316: 311: 308: 303: 300: 297:Lamarck, 1816 295: 292: 287: 284: 279: 276: 271: 268: 267: 260: 257: 253: 246: 244: 238: 235: 234:Binomial name 231: 227: 226: 221: 218: 217: 214: 213: 209: 206: 205: 202: 199: 196: 195: 192: 189: 186: 185: 182: 179: 176: 175: 172: 169: 166: 165: 162: 159: 156: 155: 152: 149: 146: 145: 140: 135: 131: 125: 120: 109: 105: 100: 96: 91: 86: 83: 75: 72: 64: 61:December 2009 54: 50: 44: 43: 37: 32: 23: 22: 19: 2386: 2303:Symbiodinium 2301: 2294: 2205:Conservation 2120:Pulley Ridge 1979: 1887:Octocorallia 1848: 1806:Hexacorallia 1755: 1726: 1722: 1712: 1700:. Retrieved 1695: 1686: 1677: 1673: 1663: 1618: 1614: 1604: 1559: 1555: 1499: 1495: 1470:. Retrieved 1466: 1436:. Retrieved 1431: 1378: 1374: 1364: 1352:. Retrieved 1348: 1338: 1326:. Retrieved 1321: 1254: 1250: 1240: 1231: 1227: 1217: 1192: 1188: 1163:. Retrieved 1160:ecos.fws.gov 1159: 1135:. Retrieved 1130: 1100:. Retrieved 1096: 1064:. Retrieved 1060: 1029: 995:. Retrieved 987: 981: 973: 963:November 11, 961:. Retrieved 947: 941: 935: 927: 913: 904: 900: 896: 887: 883: 874: 854: 850: 837: 829: 821: 811: 799: 797: 777: 764: 752: 740: 732: 710: 706: 702: 693: 689: 680:A. prolifera 679: 673: 664: 659: 657: 643: 634: 625: 616: 607: 594: 580: 556:Life history 550: 541: 521: 508: 499: 470: 454: 442: 426: 414: 387: 380: 361: 360: 356: 355: 341: 333: 325: 317: 309: 301: 293: 285: 277: 273:(Dana, 1846) 269: 242: 240: 224: 223: 211: 191:Scleractinia 181:Hexacorallia 82: 67: 58: 39: 18: 2618:SeaLifeBase 2540:NatureServe 2488:iNaturalist 2411:Wikispecies 2296:Amphidinium 2085:Lakshadweep 2020:Amazon Reef 1925:Coral reefs 1798:coral reefs 1729:: 526–537. 1257:(1): 3794. 1195:(10): 891. 997:December 9, 767:overfishing 761:Overfishing 457:zooplankton 201:Acroporidae 53:introducing 2666:Categories 2362:Fire coral 2347:Coral sand 2270:Reef Check 2250:Green Fins 1965:Microatoll 1905:Organ pipe 1829:Hermatypic 919:References 780:wastewater 511:Star coral 411:Appearance 337:Horn, 1861 305:Dana, 1846 36:references 2342:Coral rag 2265:Reef Ball 2035:Baa Atoll 1702:April 15, 1502:: 11833. 1472:April 15, 1438:April 15, 1381:: e2523. 1354:April 15, 1328:April 15, 1279:2041-1723 1165:April 14, 1137:April 14, 1102:April 14, 1066:April 14, 433:turbidity 367:Caribbean 219:Species: 157:Kingdom: 151:Eukaryota 2677:Acropora 2631:Species+ 2545:2.109369 2506:11455439 2396:Wikidata 2090:Maldives 2080:Kiribati 2030:Apo Reef 1960:Fringing 1915:Sea pens 1910:Sea fans 1868:Tabulate 1854:Staghorn 1824:Elegance 1655:12077296 1596:21858132 1556:PLOS ONE 1534:27270557 1407:27703862 1297:24825660 1032:, 17-28. 868:and the 388:Acropora 256:Synonyms 212:Acropora 197:Family: 171:Cnidaria 167:Phylum: 161:Animalia 147:Domain: 124:IUCN 3.1 2480:5184657 2402:Q163614 2130:Red Sea 2075:Jamaica 1849:Elkhorn 1834:Chalice 1623:Bibcode 1587:3157384 1564:Bibcode 1525:4899628 1504:Bibcode 1398:5047146 1288:4354160 1259:Bibcode 1197:Bibcode 1189:Geology 808:lesions 490:Curaçao 467:Habitat 390:genus, 207:Genus: 187:Order: 177:Class: 122: ( 49:improve 2649:288227 2597:507954 2584:288227 2532:133006 2464:ECOS: 2439:ARKive 2155:Yabiji 1895:Bamboo 1862:Rugose 1839:Pillar 1794:Corals 1653:  1646:124366 1643:  1594:  1584:  1532:  1522:  1405:  1395:  1295:  1285:  1277:  38:, but 2644:WoRMS 2623:46813 2610:98728 2519:52861 2501:IRMNG 2493:93312 2315:Other 2070:India 1943:Coral 1933:Atoll 1844:Table 1819:Brain 1814:Black 1375:PeerJ 988:WoRMS 2636:3118 2579:OBIS 2566:NOAA 2558:6131 2553:NCBI 2527:IUCN 2514:ITIS 2475:GBIF 2467:8928 2457:9P48 1900:Blue 1796:and 1704:2020 1651:PMID 1592:PMID 1530:PMID 1474:2020 1440:2020 1403:PMID 1356:2020 1349:NOAA 1330:2020 1293:PMID 1275:ISSN 1167:2020 1139:2020 1104:2020 1068:2020 1061:NOAA 999:2011 965:2022 948:2008 423:Diet 264:List 2452:CoL 2426:ADW 1938:Cay 1731:doi 1641:PMC 1631:doi 1582:PMC 1572:doi 1520:PMC 1512:doi 1393:PMC 1383:doi 1283:PMC 1267:doi 1205:doi 952:doi 371:elk 2668:: 2646:: 2633:: 2620:: 2607:: 2594:: 2581:: 2568:: 2555:: 2542:: 2529:: 2516:: 2503:: 2490:: 2477:: 2454:: 2441:: 2428:: 2413:: 2398:: 1725:. 1721:. 1694:. 1678:63 1676:. 1672:. 1649:. 1639:. 1629:. 1619:99 1617:. 1613:. 1590:. 1580:. 1570:. 1558:. 1554:. 1542:^ 1528:. 1518:. 1510:. 1498:. 1494:. 1482:^ 1465:. 1448:^ 1430:. 1415:^ 1401:. 1391:. 1377:. 1373:. 1347:. 1320:. 1305:^ 1291:. 1281:. 1273:. 1265:. 1253:. 1249:. 1232:65 1230:. 1226:. 1203:. 1193:25 1191:. 1187:. 1175:^ 1158:. 1147:^ 1129:. 1112:^ 1095:. 1076:^ 1059:. 1037:^ 1028:. 1007:^ 990:. 986:. 946:. 940:. 378:. 1866:† 1860:† 1786:e 1779:t 1772:v 1758:) 1733:: 1727:4 1706:. 1633:: 1625:: 1598:. 1574:: 1566:: 1560:6 1536:. 1514:: 1506:: 1500:7 1476:. 1442:. 1409:. 1385:: 1379:4 1358:. 1332:. 1299:. 1269:: 1261:: 1255:5 1207:: 1199:: 1169:. 1141:. 1106:. 1070:. 1001:. 980:" 967:. 954:: 938:" 934:" 359:( 126:) 74:) 68:( 63:) 59:( 45:.

Index

references
inline citations
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introducing
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Conservation status
Critically Endangered
IUCN 3.1
Scientific classification
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Eukaryota
Animalia
Cnidaria
Hexacorallia
Scleractinia
Acroporidae
Acropora
Binomial name
Synonyms
Caribbean
elk
fragmentation
Endangered Species Act
staghorn coral

calcium carbonate
zooxanthellae
turbidity
zooxanthellae

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