Corals added to IUCN Red List of Threatened Species for first time

Climate change, over-fishing blamed for threats to marine life

Arlington, Virginia (Sept. 12, 2007) – For the first time in history, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species includes ocean corals in its annual report of wildlife going extinct.

A comprehensive study of marine life sponsored by Conservation International (CI) and implemented jointly with the IUCN (World Conservation Union) used data from the Galapagos-based Charles Darwin Research Station and other regional institutions to conclude that three species of corals unique to the Galapagos Islands could soon disappear forever.