5 Spectacular Coral Sea Species

We hope that each of you, our readers, will enjoy and appreciate this article we present to you about these 5 Spectacular Coral Sea Species. It was our very great pleasure to compile the various information for you. May it serve to provide you with both education and increased awareness.

Certainly, these few creatures listed within this article represent only a portion of the similar marvels in this region. It’s our belief, though, that they nonetheless serve as excellent representations of the wonders that exist. Check out some of our other articles for similar marvels.

Staghorn Coral

Staghorn Coral Facts

• Leading off this article about these 5 Spectacular Coral Sea Species we give you the incredible wonder named the Staghorn Coral.
• This visually distinctive marine invertebrate most frequently goes by this highly unique, but descriptive, common name across its range. Unlike the great majority of species, for the moment, this marvel does not possess any other generally accepted common name.
• Among scientific professionals, however, it’s perhaps much more typically referred to by its technical name. Fortunately, that’s a relatively simple term, at least as such things go. That’s because this remarkable creature bears the formal name of the Acropora cervicornis.
• This marvel received this formal name due to the work of the respected French naturalist, Jean-Baptiste Pierre Antoine de Monet. He made the first official recognition of the creature as a separate and distinct species. This scientifically noteworthy event occurred in the year 1816.
• Unfortunately, though, the population of this wonderful species has been declining rapidly since around 1970. This further seems to hold true throughout the entirety of its range. The IUCN, therefore, now lists the animal as Critically Endangered on its published Red List.
• Multiple projects to attempt to preserve the amazing Staghorn Coral, however, remain underway. The aptly-named Coral Restoration Foundation, along with other organizations, currently spearheads most of these efforts. Sadly, however, results have so far been minimal.
• This product of Nature and evolution also faces threats from numerous additional factors. These include a particularly virulent coral disease. Pollution of its habitat also constitutes a severe danger. The greatest threat it faces, however, most likely consists of climate change.

Staghorn Coral Physical Description

The magnificent Staghorn Coral easily fascinates those individuals fortunate enough to encounter the wonder. It also does this in several ways. That’s due to the unique fact that, unlike some of its kindred, this product of Nature and evolution impresses in both size and overall appearance.

Although corals understandably come in all shapes and sizes, this specific one perhaps ranks among the most unusual. That’s due to its evolved pattern of physical development. This member of its Order manifest numerous cylindrical, upward growing branches, not unlike some trees.

These features further develop as highly elongated, as well as comparatively thin structures. Each of these also branches out, frequently having multiple smaller branches. Depending on the age of the individual specimen, these vary in length from as little as 2 in (5 cm), to more than 6.5 ft (2 m).

Among older specimens of the impressive Staghorn Coral, these same branching structures also attain an average thickness measuring between 1 – 3 in ( 2.5 – 7.5 cm). These same portions of the coral typically angle upward, and rise approximately vertically from a single, relatively hard trunk.

As a general principle, the marvelous Cnidaria additionally displays a remarkably consistent pattern of coloration. This characteristic mainly consists of either a pale brown or golden tan shade. That’s further enhanced, however, by the presence of somewhat surprisingly short, bright white tips.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Cnidaria
• Class: Hexacorallia
• Order: Scleractinia
• Family: Acroporidae
• Genus: Acropora
• Species: A. cervicornis

Staghorn Coral Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Unfortunately, both for the Staghorn Coral itself, and for those who appreciate Nature, it inhabits a relatively limited portion of the marine waters of the world. Ongoing research also presently indicates that the truly remarkable species never possessed a more extensive zone of habitation.

That habitat range includes a small portion of the northern Atlantic Ocean. The most northerly part of that territorial range, though, only extends to just off the east coast of the state of Florida, in the United States. From there, it also extends itself to the Bahamas and the Caribbean Islands.

A limited, disjointed population of this creature also appears in portions of the western Gulf of Mexico. In all areas in which it lives, however, the animal displays the same, clear preference for where it makes its home. It generally appears in reefs, with other corals, rarely appearing alone.

Yet the wonder of Nature and evolution also displays a deciedly strong preference for extremely shallow depths. This usually places it close to the shoreline. More precisely, it sometimes lives directly at the shoreline. At its deepest, though, it’s never seen at depths of more than 98 ft (30 m).

Another aspect of its evolutionary nature also distinguishes the Staghorn Coral from most of its brethren around the world. That’s due to the fact that it displays the fastest known growth rate of all corals of its type in its region. Its many branches often grow as much as 7.9 in (20 cm) per year.

This marine marvel alsp reproduces both asexually and sexually, with the former being the dominant method. This occurs when branches break off and reattach to the ocean floor. Sexual reproduction, however, also happens, typically in the months of either August or September.

Humpback Whale

Humpback Whale Facts

• Making its presence felt here in this compilation of 5 Spectacular Coral Sea Species is the astonishing Humpback Whale.
• This undeniably attention-grabbing term perfectly serves as the best known common name for this true marvel of the marine regions of the world. The marine wonder has other titles, of course, though these only represent the non-english language versions of the same.
• Some of these tags include Kohola in Hawaiian, in which culture they’re historically considered extremely sacred. Baleine à bosse, meanwhile, serves as the French term for the natural marvel. In Portuguese it’s called Jubarte, while the Spanish name is Yubarta, to name a few.
• Inside of the scientific community, however, it’s perhaps better known by its technical moniker. That appellation, though, like most such, remains quite difficult for the layperson to pronounce. That’s because it holds the official epithet of Megaptera novaeangliae.
• The magnificent mammal received that difficult designation due to the efforts of Georg Heinrich Borowski. That respected German zoologist wasn’t the first to identify it, but assigned it the name it holds now. He accomplished scientifically noteworthy deed in the year 1781.
• Lamentably, humans once hunted the majestic Humpback Whale nearly to the brink of extinction. In the 1960’s, its population fell to only around 5,000. Thankfully, officials put preservation efforts in place, and it now numbers around an estimated 135,000 individuals.
• Due to this marked improvement, the IUCN currently lists the creature as Least Concern on its published Red List. It nevertheless still faces numerous threats to its existence. Like most species today, these include the related perils of habitat loss and climate change.

Humpback Whale Physical Description

The remarkable Humpback Whale truly distinguishes itself from most of its numerous kindred across the marine waters of the world. It does so, however, for more than just its sheer visual appeal. The creature also earns merit due to the fact that it ranks as one of the larger of its kind.

In that regard, the animal also follows an evolutionary pattern common among many mammals. That’s shown by the fact that it displays a certain amount of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. In its case, this trait manifest itself in terms of pure physical dimensions.

More specifically, males of the species attain greater average measurements than their female counterparts. Overall, though, the difference remains comparatively minor. Adult males typically range from 46 – 49 ft (14 – 15 m) in length. Females average about 3 – 5 ft (0.9 – 1.5 m) less.

The marvel of Nature also has a highly distinctive body shape characterized by a relatively large, robust body with a small dorsal fin located far back on its body. Its pectoral fins additionally develop as quite long and paddle-shaped, making up about one-third of its total body length.

In color, the impressive cetacean also presents a very distinctive visual pattern. This consists of mostly black or dark gray on its upper side, while its lower side usually shows lighter, often white. The animal also sometimes shows slightly irregular white patches on its flippers, belly, and throat.

For some viewers, however, the head of the Humpback Whale marks yet another feature that sets it apart from its kin. It displays a large, knobbly head with an elongated jaw covered in small, wart-like bumps called tubercles. These contain hair follicles believed to aid in sensory perception.

Yet another characteristic feature of this amazing mammal’s the presence of multiple pleats or throat grooves along its ventral side. These numerous grooves allow the animal’s throat to expand during feeding, enabling it to take in large volumes of water and prey during the process.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Artiodactyla
• Family: Balaenopteridae
• Genus: Megaptera
• Species: M. novaeangliae

Humpback Whale Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Fortunately, the mighty Humpback Whale evolved naturally as endemic to an extraordinarily large expanse of the marine waters of the world. In fact, that natural zone of habitation consists of virtually all oceans and seas, with only a very few small, widely isolated exceptions.

Included among those comparatively rare places the mammal does not appear comes a handful of small enclosed seas. Somewhat understandably, however, it also does not live in the High Arctic areas. Intriguingly, though, it’s additionally absent from some regions situated near the equator.

Maintaining a pattern common to whales, this marvelous wonder of evolution displays decidedly strong flexibility regarding its choice of habitat. It’s therefore frequently found in an extremely wide variety of marine environments, including coastal waters, open ocean, fjords, and estuaries.

Yet, it’s also often observed near underwater features such as seamounts, submarine canyons, and continental shelves, where there’s increased prey abundance and more favorable oceanographic conditions. The animal further shows a strongly clear favoritism for much colder waters.

The amazing species feeds primarily as what’s known as a filter feeder. To that end, it uses baleen plates in its mouth to strain small prey such as krill, plankton, and small fish from the water. It also often feeds cooperatively, actually blowing bubbles, to trap the prey for easier feeding!

The Humpback Whale also undertakes amazingly long-distance migrations between its feeding and breeding grounds. These are driven by seasonal changes in temperature and prey availability. During migration, the whale travels thousands of miles, often following regular, predictable routes.

Breeding typically occurs in warmer waters during the winter months. Males engage in gently competitive behaviors such as singing and physical displays to attract the females. Mating itself typically produces a single calf, after an average gestation period lasting about 11-12 months.

Blacktip Reef Shark

Blacktip reef shark Facts

• Our next choice for inclusion in this gathering of these 5 Spectacular Coral Sea Species bears the fitting name of the Blacktip reef shark.
• Though highly descriptive, this informative term only serves as the most frequently used common name for the amazing fish. It does have several other general titles. These include the tags Blackfin reef shark, Blacktip shark, Blacktip whaler, and Indo-Pacific blacktip shark.
• Within the halls of science, however, it’s probably much better known by its technical designation, though. Unfortunately for the layperson, that’s an extremely difficult appellation to pronounce. That’s because the animal holds the formal epithet Carcharhinus melanopterus.
• It received that tongue-twisting moniker due to the efforts of a duo of French researchers. Jean René Constant Quoy and Joseph Paul Gaimard accomplished the first official recognition of it as a separate and distinct species. They achieved that scientifically noteworthy feat in 1824.
• This stunning creature distinguishes itself from many of its kindred in terms of its behavioral patterns. Unlike many of those kin, it’s generally shy and not aggressive toward humans. It’s also known for its extremely cautious nature, often observed darting away if approached.
• Unfortunately, for a combination of reasons, the beautiful Blacktip reef shark now finds itself with a dwindling population. That sad situation also appears to hold true across its range. The IUCN therefore presently shows it as Vulnerable on its Red List of Threatened Species.
• Though not directly targeted by commerical fishing, it often perishes due to accidental bycatch. It also faces other dangers to its continued existence, most of these stemming from the actions of man. Those many perils primarily include habitat loss and ongoing climate change.
• Though not universally so, it does at least now enjoy a certain amount of protection in some portions of its range. In some areas, parts of its population dwell within marine parks. In some other local regions, measures range from partial conservation to a full ban on local fishing.

Blacktip reef shark Physical Description

It’s easily comprehended that the mesmerizing Blacktip reef shark rarely fails to captivate those who encounter it, especially in the wild. The amazing fish generally does so, however, due more to its appearance than sheer size. That’s true since it’s a comparatively small shark species.

In this respect, it also follows a pattern common among animals, including fish. That’s the fact that it displays a certain degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. In the case of this particular creature, though, that trait only manifests in relatively subtle manners.

More precisely, females of this fascinating fish attain greater average measurements than their male counterparts. This evolutionary tendency extends to both length and mass. That’s extremely common among sharks, though, likely due to the natural demands of its reproduction.

The females generally reach a mean total length equaling roughly 5.2 ft (1.6 m). Examples of this same sex also typically range in body mass from 25 – 40 lb (11 – 18 kg). Though it’s extraordinarily rare, exceptional examples of this sex occasionally reach weight measuring roughly 55 lb (25 kg).

Males, meanwhile, attain lesser weights and lengths. As mentioned previously, the difference on average remains relatively slight. Though, once again, uncommon individuals do occur, these rarely grow beyond 4.6 ft (1.4 m). Mean masses also usually range from between 20 – 30 lb (9 – 14 kg).

Other sex-based differences exists, as well. Males of this marvel have features named claspers. These represent specialized reproductive organs used during the mating process, and are located on the underside near the pelvic fins. Females, though, understandably do not develop these.

Otherwise, both sexes of the Blacktip reef shark present the same appearance. The body evolved a slender, torpedo-shaped form, obviously designed for speed. The head of the highly developed animal also displays a comparatively short, rounded snout with large nostrils for detecting prey.

In coloring, the animal displays a light brown to grayish top or dorsal side. The underside, however, presents a white or pale gray shading. The most distinctive feature, clearly is the presence of distinct black tips on its fins. Yet, it also manifests a conspicuous white stripe that runs along its sides.

The first dorsal fin grows large and triangular, positioned far forward on the body. The second’s much smaller but still has a black tip. Its pectoral fins develop as broad and slightly curved, aiding it in maneuverability. The upper lobe of its tail also evolved as longer than the lower one.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Chondrichthyes
• Order: Carcharhiniformes
• Family: Carcharhinidae
• Genus: Carcharhinus
• Species: C. melanopterus

Blacktip reef shark Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The captivating Blacktip reef shark apparently evolved as indigenous to a moderately broad expanse of the marine regions of the globe. In its fullest expanse, though, the extent of this zone of habitation might surprise many individuals. The nature of the region, however, probably will not.

The wonder of Nature most often appears within the confines of the Indo-Pacific Ocean. This remarkable fish also resides in the waters of both the Red Sea and the western Indian Ocean. It also inhabits the waters off the coast of East Africa, and from there to Hawaii and the Central Pacific.

But Nature didn’t stop there. The fish lives near Northern Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, too. It’s present in the marine areas off Southeast Asia, including India, Thailand, and Malaysia. It’s even present around French Polynesia, the Maldives, and many other Pacific islands.

Like many of its relatives globally, it displays decidedly clear preferences regarding its choice of habitat. This favoritism does, however, allow for some leeway in the exact nature of the ecosystems it inhabits. It’s therefore found inside a number of differing areas with similar conditions.

Each of these lies inside regions of warm, shallow tropical waters, especially coral reef ecosystems. It manifests its clearest preference for shallow coastal waters, typically measuring less than 100 ft (30 m) deep. That often consists of coral reefs, especially reef flats, lagoons, and reef edges.

Scattered groupings nevertheless also appear in other regions with similar environmental settings. These include magrove forests, which frequently serve as nurseries for juveniles. Other locations include locations such as seagrass beds and sandy flats, often used for the purpose of hunting.

Following the typical pattern of its kind, the Blacktip reef shark developed as a pure carnivore. In the ecosystems it appears in, it fill the role of mid-level predator, known as a mesopredator. Its presence in these regions plays a pivotal role in maintaining and regulating local fish populations.

Its diet principally consists of a wide variety of local small, bony fish, such as mullet and sardines. The shark also preys on crustaceans, like crabs and shrimp. Other fare includes small cephalopods, like squid, cuttlefish, and octopi. Rays and smaller sharks sometimes make the list, too.

Like most creatures on eath, it has its own share of predators, too, especially given its relatively small size. These primarily consist of larger sharks, such as Tiger sharks and Grey reef sharks. In certain portions of its territory, though, it also sometimes falls prey to Saltwater crocodiles.

Elkhorn Coral

Elkhorn Coral Facts

• Now appearing in this compendium of 5 Spectacular Coral Sea Species we give you the other Cnidaria on the list, the Elkhorn Coral.
• This highly distinctive invertebrate most frequently goes by the descriptive common name across its territory due to its unique appearance. Somewhat surprisingly, perhaps, this marvel of Nature and evolution does not currently have another broadly accepted general title.
• Within the scientific community, however, the wonder does have another designation by which it’s perhaps better known. Fortunately, that’s a comparatively simple term for the layperson to pronounce. That’s true since it holds the technical appellation of Acropora palmata.
• The impressive creature received that moniker due to the efforts of Jean-Baptiste Lamarck. The noted French naturalist accomplished the first recognition of the animal as a separate and distinct species. He managed to achieve that scientifically noteworthy feat in the year 1816.
• Sadly, the Elkhorn Coral now finds itself in dire straits. That’s true since its population base has been significantly reduced. That unfortunate state also extends across the entirety of its range. The IUCN therefore now lists the animal as Critically Endangered on its published Red List.
• It faces multiple threats to its continuation as a species. Like most forms of life on the planet today, the vast majority of these dangers stem from the actions of mankind. They now include such perils as habitat degradation and loss, and the ongoing effects of climate change.

Elkhorn Coral Physical Description

The fabulous Elkhorn Coral possesses an appearance that typically garners it a great deal of notice and appreciation by most individuals who encounter it. The amazing invertebrate manages to accomplish this feat due to a combination of both unique form and impressive physical dimensions.

Like some of its kindred, each specimen of this species develops numerous branches that display a frond-like structure. In shape, each of these sections further range in shape from flattened to nearly round. These also generally prutrude from the creature’s central trunk, and grow strongly upward.

When an individual’s fully mature, the branches of this marvel of Nature attain widths measuring up to 15 in (38.1 cm). The thickness of these varies accordingly, of course, yet reaches up to roughly 2 in (5.1 cm). That depth varies across the entirety of the branch, though, creating a rough appearance.

Due to its colonial nature, each example of this amazing creature possesses the ability to achieve significant sizes. Some, in fact, reach as much as 6 ft (1.83 m) in height, while managing to grow to a width that measures up to 12 ft (3.7 m). Few among the species manage to attain such size, though.

Understandably, it’s the overall design of the marvelous Elkhorn Coral that provides its common name, however. That’s because the general design closely resembles the antlers of an elk or similar relative. In color, these constructs range from various shades of pale brown to a light tan.

Yet, exceptional individuals of the fascinating animal nevertheless do occasionally occur. In fact, some individual colonies of this extraordinary Cnidaria attain widths measuring up to 43 ft (13.1 m). Examples of such size occur increasing infrequently, though, due to environmental conditions.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Cnidaria
• Class: Hexacorallia
• Order: Scleractinia
• Family: Acroporidae
• Genus: Acropora
• Species: A. palmata

Elkhorn Coral Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The intrepid Elkhorn Coral evolved as indigenous to a moderately small expanse of the marine regions of the globe. The exact nature and location of this zone of habitation stands out in the minds of many, though. That’s true since it lives in a specific portion of the Atlantic Ocean.

Yet, within this overall territorial range, the creature only inhabits narrow sections of the greater area. These mainly consists of the section known as the Caribbean Sea. It also makes appearances in waters off the Bahamas, and as far north as the shores of Florida, part of the United States.

Like many of its numerous relatives across the globe, this animal developed decidedly strong and clear preferences regarding its choice of habitat type. Not surprisingly at all, however, this ancient evolutionary requirement consists almost exclusively of regions composed of larger coral reefs.

The marine animal also needs extremely shallow waters. This typically therefore generally places its habitat quite close to the shore. It rarely appears at depths greater than 15 ft (4.6 m). Some, in fact, can be found near the shoreline, in waters measuring no more than 1 ft (0.3 m) in depth!

The captivating Elkhorn Coral actually acquires the great majority of its nutrition from sunlight. It does this, however, via the actions of photosynthetic algae that lives inside its cells. Yet, it still augments this with quantities of zooplankton, which it consumes via a process called filter feeding.

The animal also evolved as completely hermaphroditic in nature, with each individual being both male and female. Self-fertilization rarely happens, though. Reproduction only occurs once per year, under extremely specific conditions. This follows a full moon, in either July, August, or September.

Common Bottlenose Dolphin

Common Bottlenose Dolphin Facts

• Closing out this article about these 5 Spectacular Coral Sea Species we give you the other mammal making an appearance, the Common Bottlenose Dolphin.
• This magnificent ocean-dwelling creation of Nature and evolution generally goes by this intriguing, if somewhat lengthy, common name. The animal does have a very similar alternate general name, though. That’s the informative moniker of Atlantic bottlenose dolphin.
• Within scientific circles, however, it’s perhaps much better known by its purely technical title. Fortunately for the layperson, that’s the relatively easy to pronounce term of Tursiops truncatus. No matter which term one chooses, it remains a beautiful and impressive creature.
• It received that official designation due to the efforts of the highly respected English naturalist, George Mantagu. He accomplished the first recorded acknowledgement of it as a completely separate and distinct species. This scientifically noteworthy act occurred in the year 1821.
• The animal’s common name suits it perfectly, as it’s possibly the most numerous, widespread, and best-known of all its kin. It also has what may be the most extensive zone of habitation of its relatives. Sadly, the mammal’s also the most popular in marine parks and aquariums.
• Unlike a great many others of its kind, the Common Bottlenose Dolphin seems to be maintaing a sufficient population base. That further appears to hold true throughout the entirety of its known range. The IUCN therefore currently list it as Least Concern on its published Red List.
• The animal nevertheless does face potential threats to its existence, at least. In this, the same dangers exist as for other marine species. These include such factors as active hunting and accidental bycatch. Doubtless, though, its greatest threat continues to be climate change.

Common Bottlenose Dolphin Physical Description

One way in which the majestic Common Bottlenose Dolphin distinguishes itself from other dolphins around the world is sheer size. That’s due to the fact that this wonder of Nature ranks as the largest of all known beaked dolphins. That’s an extremely impressive claim to fame.

The marine marvel does follow the same pattern as other many other cetacea, though. That’s because the fabulous animal fully displays a moderate degree of the physiological trait of sexual dimorphism. In its specific case, this trait manifests itself in terms of simple physical size.

Males of the species generally attain a greater length and body mass than their female counterparts. In most instances, though, the difference isn’t greatly significant. Overall, both measurements vary significantly, often following different ranges. This tendency includes both genders, as well.

As a general rule of thumb, however, recorded individuals reach a length measuring somewhere between 6.6 – 13.1 ft (2 – 4 m). Weights also naturally vary accordingly. This ranges from 330 – 1,430 lb (150 – 650 kg). Exceptional specimens do occur, though, in both categories, regardless of gender.

In terms of coloring, the aptly-named Common Bottlenose Dolphin presents a nearly uniform gray shade. Slight variations on this theme occasionally present themselves in individuals, however. Upon close inspection, however, many present a slightly lighter shade on the underside of the body.

The amazing cetacea further possesses a comparatively short, well-defined nose. Often compared to a bottle, this serves as the source of the common name. Its neck evolved as more flexible than its cousins, too. That’s because five of their seven vertebrae aren’t fused, unlike other dolphins.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Artiodactyla
• Family: Delphinidae
• Genus: Tursiops
• Species: T. truncatus

Common Bottlenose Dolphin Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Thankfully, the Common Bottlenose Dolphin evolved as native to a truly extensive natural range. In fact, thhis creature lives in marine waters across much of the globe. Incredibly, this mammal makes its home in every portion of the planet’s oceans, with the sole exception of the polar regions.

This means the water-based wonder remains equally at home in either tropical, subtropical, or temperate marine regions. Experts presently estimate its current global population to be roughly 600,000. It also migrates great distances, either individually or in groups of various size

Intriguingly, groups of the captivating cetacean live in collections both near the shore and further out to sea. In this repsect, the two differing concentrations display differing habitat preferences. Those diverse populations living further out tend to undertake the more significant migrations.

Those members of the species residing closer to shore typically migrate less often, and for shorter distances than the others. These same specimens also easily adapt to warm, shallower waters. This frequently includes such varied areas as lagoons, estuaries, bays, and even many harbors.

Again following the pattern established by its many kindred, the Common Bottlenose Dolphin lives as a very social species. Most known examples live in small groups called pods. These groups average 15 in number, but sometimes exceed 100 members. Lone individuals rarely occur.

Its diet typically consists of shrimp, squid, eels, and a wide range of fish species. The mammal hunts using echolocation, and does so effectively. The pods often hunt as a team, greatly increasing their effectiveness. It has few predators of its own. These threats mainly include orcas and sharks.

5 Spectacular Coral Sea Species

We sincerely hope that each of you thoroughly enjoyed reading, and hopefully learning from, this article we’ve written about these 5 Spectacular Coral Sea Species. It’s also our hope that doing so has left you with either a new or renewed appreciation for such remarkable wonders of Nature.

Unfortunately, however, many of their kindred around the world now find themselves facing strong threats to their continued existence as a species. Many of those dangers, in fact, stem from the ongoing actions of mankind. We must do all we can to protect and preserve them all.

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