The latest report revealed that sea cows, pillar corals and abalone are critically endangered and could result in extinction. Scientists call for the conservation of the said species to prevent potential extinction.
Climate change, pollution and illegal activities contributed to putting the said species on the critically endangered list and vulnerable to extinction.
According to the report the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reported that the abalone shellfish could be vulnerable to extinction. Meanwhile, the dugong populations or sea cows, including the pillar corals, are critically endangered.
Pillar corals in a water tank
In addition, Stewart Maginnis, IUCN deputy director, explained to AFP the importance of limiting the extinction rate, which could help them to conserve and focus on terrestrial species.
The deputy director added that they were hoping to catch up with the almost 30 years behind on marine conservation.
National Geographic reported that abalone shellfish live in kelp forests, which play a significant role in helping other species maintain good conditions. Abalone shellfish thrive on South African coasts.
However, the said species have been subjected to illegal trade due to global restaurant demand. The report explained that the abalone shellfish are considered delicacies and climate change causing heatwaves could affect the said species.
The report added that Western Australia in 2011 recorded about 99 percent of Roe's abalone death due to marine heatwaves. On the other hand, pollution and algae bloom could account for potential harm to the said species, which resulted in the decline of Omani abalone in the Arabian Peninsula.
Pillar corals
On the other hand, pillar corals are also vulnerable to extinction and considered critically endangered. The NOAA Fisheries explained that pillar corals could be found in the Caribbean Sea or the Atlantic Ocean, which is also threatened.
The report said that the pillar corals are in decline and endangered due to the overfishing of corals. The rising sea surface temperatures and climate change could also contribute to the corals' death and potential extinction.
The conservation of pillar corals has been important because it helps in the ocean.
Sea cows
Moreover, sea cows or dugongs are on the list of critically endangered species. National Geographic explained that they are slow-moving animals that thrive in rivers or coastal waters.
National Geographic added that they are also threatened by hunting, motorboat accidents or illegal fishing.
On the other hand, the report said that the sea cows are victims of unintentional captures or poaching in New Caledonia or East Africa. They also suffer from pollution, climate change and mining, contributing to their population decline.
While the said animals are on the Red list, the deputy director stressed the significance of conservation action, adding that 42,000 species are threatened with potential extinction.
In addition, the report added that about 1,550 marine animals and plants could be at risk of extinction.
The conservation of animals in the red list is important, especially because they play a crucial role in the marine environment.
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