Endangered Reef Animals

The natural coral reefs found in the world's tropical waters contain a huge selection of fish, sponges, reptiles, invertebrates and mammals that cannot live anywhere else. These colorful coral formations are under attack from human development, over hunting and illegal poaching. Moreover, the creatures that dwell in the ocean also suffer the same plight, and some of the more exotic undersea residents are on the brink of extinction.

  1. Green Sea Turtle

    • The rare green sea turtle is a five-foot long, reef-dwelling reptile. Green sea turtles are named for the color of their shell, although their flippers and head are brown and tan colored. Green sea turtles can weigh up to 700 pounds and eat algae and variety of invertebrates. These turtles swim vast distances to return to specific beaches to lay their eggs. The population decline of these turtles is due to poaching for their meat and eggs.

    Dugong

    • The manatee is a close relative to the dugong.

      Dugongs are large endangered sea cows that graze for underwater seaweed and grasses along tropical coastlines. They are known to frequent the relative safety and food-packed reefs of Australia, Africa and the islands of Southeast Asia. Usually seen in pairs, dugongs are peaceful marine mammals. Poachers hunt these 500 to 1,100-pound animals for their meat, teeth, bones and skin.

    Hawksbill Sea Turtle

    • Critically endangered hawksbill sea turtles can be found scattered in the tropical ocean waters of the world, but your chances of locating one increases when you look in the coral reefs. Coral reefs are rich in sea sponges which are a favorite food of these turtles. The name "hawksbill" was given to this animal due to its hawk-like pointed beak. Although humans are the primary reason for the hawksbill's decline due to over-hunting for their meat, sharks and crocodiles prey on them as well.

    Coconut Crab

    • Like many creatures of the deep, coconut crabs are victims of human over consumption.

      A highly protected invertebrate that is terrestrial, the coconut crab is reliant on the tropical reefs to protect their eggs for the next generation. After mating, the adult coconut crab (which cannot swim), moves to the water's edge and lays her eggs. The young crabs live in the reefs and surrounding oceanic areas until they mature and move to land. Mankind has made these massive crabs extinct on several of their native islands due to over consumption; naturalists aren't entirely sure of the total population of the coconut crab.