CR

Galaxaura barbata

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Overview

Galaxaura barbata is a species of Pacific marine algae belonging to the family Galaxauraceae. It is a critically endangered plant.

Galaxaura barbata faces severe threats from coastal development and marine pollution in its limited Caribbean range. Ocean acidification poses an additional risk to this calcifying red algae, potentially weakening its calcium carbonate structure. Rising sea temperatures and increased storm intensity associated with climate change further stress remaining populations in shallow reef environments.

Threat summary

Habitat

This marine red algae inhabits shallow coral reef environments and rocky substrates in warm tropical waters of the Caribbean. It typically grows in areas with moderate water movement and good light penetration, often forming part of the algal turf community on reef flats and lagoons.

Rocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protection

Frequently asked questions

Why is Galaxaura barbata classified as Critically Endangered?
Galaxaura barbata is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Galaxaura barbata faces severe threats from coastal development and marine pollution in its limited Caribbean range. Ocean acidification poses an additional risk to this calcifying red algae, potentially weakening its calcium carbonate structure. Rising sea temperatures and increased storm intensity associated with climate change further stress remaining populations in shallow reef environments.
Where does Galaxaura barbata live?
Galaxaura barbata occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Galaxaura barbata?
The main threats to Galaxaura barbata are 11.1, 2.3, 5.1, and 5.1.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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