Banda-Flores Sea - A Global Ecoregion
One of the most diverse marine communities on earth
Snapshot: Ecoregion 220
Size:
N/A
Habitat type:
Tropical Coral
Geographic Location:
Central Indo-Pacific
Conservation Status:
Vulnerable
N/A
Habitat type:
Tropical Coral
Geographic Location:
Central Indo-Pacific
Conservation Status:
Vulnerable
Quiz Time!
Can eels attack humans as well?
Answer:
Moray eels may be shy but they are fierce hunters. With wide mouths and strong, sharp teeth, they lurk in their hideaways in the reef and then quickly seize prey that swims by. They have only been known to bite humans who disturb them.
About the Area
The diverse and complex coral reefs and marine ecosystems of Papua New Guinea and the Moluccas support numerous endemic species of coral, fish and invertebrates, as well as populations of marine turtles, dugongs, and giant clams.
Spectacular coral reefs of all shapes, colors, and sizes grow in the clear water with some reefs growing as tall as 400 feet (120 m). The reefs and lagoon complexes also contain seabird rookery islands.Local Species
Just a few of the numerous fishes present here are Carpet shark (Eucrossorhinus dasypogon), Catshark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum), Big grouper (Epinephelus sp.), and Moray eel (Gymnothorax flavomarginatus).
These habitats also support Dugongs (Dugong dugon), Blainville's beaked whales (Mesaplodon densirostris), Hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), Green sea turtles (Chelonias mydas), and Leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea).
Threats
Dynamite fishing, shark fin fisheries, deforestation, uncontrolled tourism, oil spills, sewage pollution, and toxins and erosion from logging and mining pose threats to the region.
Resources
• NationalGeographic.com
