10. Staghorn Coral and Other Corals
Corals, including staghorn coral, are among the most vulnerable species to climate change due to their sensitivity to changes in temperature and ocean acidity. Rising temperatures cause coral bleaching, where corals expel the algae living in their tissues, leading to mass die-offs and declines in coral cover. Additionally, ocean acidification reduces the availability of calcium carbonate, essential for coral skeleton formation, further weakening coral structures.
As keystone species in marine ecosystems, corals provide habitat and food for a vast array of marine life, making their decline a significant threat to biodiversity. Urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect coral reef habitats is essential to prevent the loss of these valuable ecosystems.
