VU

leaf coral

Pavona venosa

Unknown

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Pavona venosa faces severe pressure from ocean warming and acidification, which cause coral bleaching events and weaken skeletal formation. Coastal development and sedimentation from land-based activities smother colonies and reduce water quality in shallow reef environments. Destructive fishing practices and anchor damage from boats further fragment remaining populations across its Indo-Pacific range.

Threat summary

Habitat

Pavona venosa inhabits shallow coral reef environments in the Indo-Pacific, typically found on reef slopes and lagoons at depths of 1-20 meters. This species forms plate-like colonies on hard substrates in areas with moderate water flow and good light penetration.

MARINE· major

Other threatened species in Agariciidae

VU

leaf coral

Pavona diffluens

Unknown
leaf coralVU

leaf coral

Pavona bipartita

Unknown
Cactus CoralVU

Cactus Coral

Pavona decussata

Unknown

Threatened in American Samoa

Sitona maculariusVU

Sitona macularius

Unknown
VU

Alveopora excelsa

Declining
EN

Acropora rudis

Declining
EN

Montipora corbettensis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is leaf coral classified as Vulnerable?
leaf coral is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Pavona venosa faces severe pressure from ocean warming and acidification, which cause coral bleaching events and weaken skeletal formation. Coastal development and sedimentation from land-based activities smother colonies and reduce water quality in shallow reef environments. Destructive fishing practices and anchor damage from boats further fragment remaining populations across its Indo-Pacific range.
Where does leaf coral live?
leaf coral occurs in American Samoa, Australia, British Indian Ocean Territory, China, Christmas Island, and Cocos (Keeling) Islands (plus 32 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to leaf coral?
The main threats to leaf coral are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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