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Coral reefs "could be wiped out this century"

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According to the Telegraph's science editor Roger Highfield, as much as one third of the coral species responsable for coral reef formation are threatened with complete extinction. Furthermore, there are indications that the rate of destruction of these spectacular habitats is such that they could be wiped out within the 21st century.

Taking millions of years to build up, "coral reefs are home to more than 25 percent of marine species", truly earning them the title of "rainforests of the ocean". More than simply loosing some of the most beautiful natural habitats on Earth, their destruction could have far reaching consequences for humanity: Prof Kent Carpenter, Director of the Global Marine Species Assessment Of Conservation International believes that "the loss of reefs could have huge economic effects on food security for around 500 million people who are dependent on reef fish for food and/or their livelihoods", adding that "tourism is also likely to suffer."

The corals which make up the reefs provide a crucial source of food and shelter for the many thousands of species, and their extinction could "lead to the collapse of entire ecosystems".

The results of the latest study on over 700 species of coral by Prof. Carpenter and his team showed that a third were either "critically endangered", "endangered", or "vulnerable", and "emphasize the widespread plight of coral reefs and the urgent need to enact conservation measures."
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