44% of reef-building corals now face higher extinction risk

· Science

A major global study led in part by a University of Portsmouth scientist finds that 44% of the world's reef-building coral species are now threatened with extinction, and warns the true figure is likely higher. The finding, also reported by Nature News as elevated relative risk of extinction, updates the global picture of coral health as warming, disease and local pressures mount. Reef-building corals underpin the biodiversity and physical structure of tropical reefs, so a rise in their extinction risk directly threatens the ecosystems, fisheries and coastal protection that depend on them. Researchers say the assessment probably understates the problem because many species remain poorly surveyed.

Why it matters：Coral reefs support fisheries, coastal protection and biodiversity worldwide, so a jump in extinction risk signals accelerating ecosystem loss that will affect food security and marine industries far beyond the reefs themselves.

Key points

  • 44% of reef-building coral species are now threatened, per the global study
  • Researchers warn the real figure is likely higher due to incomplete surveys
  • Nature News separately reports elevated relative extinction risk for corals

Sources (original reporting)

More stories from this day