<
https://theconversation.com/beautiful-rare-purple-cauliflower-coral-off-nsw-coast-may-be-extinct-within-10-years-160184>
"When we think of Australia’s threatened corals, the Great Barrier Reef
probably springs to mind. But elsewhere, coral species are also struggling –
including a rare type known as “cauliflower soft coral” which is, sadly, on the
brink of extinction.
This species,
Dendronephthya australis, looks like a purple cauliflower due
to its pink-lilac stems and branches, crowned with white polyps.
The coral primarily occurs at only a few sites in Port Stephens, New South
Wales, and is a magnet for divers and underwater photographers. But sand
movements, boating and fishing have reduced the species’ population
dramatically.
Recent flooding in NSW compounded the problem – in fact, it may have reduced
the remaining coral population by 90%. Our recent research found cauliflower
soft coral may become extinct in the next decade unless we urgently protect and
restore it."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
