Eunicella verrucosa
VU

Eunicella verrucosa

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eunicella_verrucosa

Overview

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

Eunicella verrucosa faces severe pressure from bottom trawling and dredging activities that physically damage or destroy entire colonies, with recovery taking decades due to extremely slow growth rates of 1-2cm per year. Climate change poses an escalating threat through ocean warming and acidification, which weakens the coral's calcium carbonate skeleton and disrupts symbiotic relationships. Coastal development and pollution further degrade water quality in the shallow rocky habitats where this species thrives.

Threat summary

Habitat

Eunicella verrucosa inhabits rocky substrates and reefs in shallow coastal waters, typically at depths of 10-50 meters in the northeastern Atlantic. This soft coral forms distinctive fan-shaped colonies on hard surfaces where strong currents provide the plankton-rich waters essential for filter feeding.

MARINE· major

Threatened in Albania

VU

Lesser White-fronted Goose

Anser erythropus

Declining
Scarce BlackneckCR

Scarce Blackneck

Lygephila craccae

Unknown
Common Fire SalamanderVU

Common Fire Salamander

Salamandra salamandra

Declining
EN

Ohrigocea stankovici

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Eunicella verrucosa classified as Vulnerable?
Eunicella verrucosa 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. Eunicella verrucosa faces severe pressure from bottom trawling and dredging activities that physically damage or destroy entire colonies, with recovery taking decades due to extremely slow growth rates of 1-2cm per year. Climate change poses an escalating threat through ocean warming and acidification, which weakens the coral's calcium carbonate skeleton and disrupts symbiotic relationships. Coastal development and pollution further degrade water quality in the shallow rocky habitats where this species thrives.
Where does Eunicella verrucosa live?
Eunicella verrucosa occurs in Albania, Algeria, Angola, Bahamas, Belize, and Canada (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 Eunicella verrucosa?
The main threats to Eunicella verrucosa 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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