CR

Porites pukoensis

Unknown

Overview

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

Porites pukoensis faces severe threats from ocean warming and acidification, which cause coral bleaching and reduce the species' ability to build its calcium carbonate skeleton. The species' extremely limited range around Puko Island makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while rising sea levels and increased storm intensity associated with climate change pose additional risks to its shallow reef habitat.

Threat summary

Habitat

Porites pukoensis inhabits shallow coral reef environments in tropical Pacific waters, specifically found in the reef systems around Puko Island. This species typically grows in areas with clear, warm water and adequate light penetration for its symbiotic zooxanthellae.

MARINE· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Porites pukoensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Porites pukoensis 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. Porites pukoensis faces severe threats from ocean warming and acidification, which cause coral bleaching and reduce the species' ability to build its calcium carbonate skeleton. The species' extremely limited range around Puko Island makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while rising sea levels and increased storm intensity associated with climate change pose additional risks to its shallow reef habitat.
Where does Porites pukoensis live?
Porites pukoensis 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 Porites pukoensis?
The main threats to Porites pukoensis 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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