Nansei Shoto - A Global Ecoregion
Quite isolated, making it possible for unique species to evolve
Snapshot: Ecoregion 217
Size:
N/A
Habitat type:
Tropical Coral
Geographic Location:
Pacific Ocean off eastern Asia
Conservation Status:
Critical/Endangered
N/A
Habitat type:
Tropical Coral
Geographic Location:
Pacific Ocean off eastern Asia
Conservation Status:
Critical/Endangered
Quiz Time!
Why are Loggerhead turtles less likely to be hunted than other sea turtles?
Answer:
Because their meat is considered less desirable than that of the green turtle, and the shell is less prized than that of the hawksbill. However there is some direct exploitation in Cuba, and loggerheads' eggs are collected and eaten in many parts of the world.
About the Area
Nansei Shoto Islands, a chain of islands off southwestern Japan, contain diverse coral reefs that support many endemic fish species as well as populations of marine birds and mammals.
The water here is warm, clear, and nutrient poor - qualities that have helped diverse reefs of coral develop over thousands of years.Local Species
This region provides breeding habitat for the endangered Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae).
In addition to numerous other fish species, non-coral invertebrates and tropical marine algae, other species found here include the Finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides), Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta), Dugong (Dugong dugon), Anemone fish (Amphiprion clarkii), and Japanese parrotfish (Calotamus japonicus).
Threats
Important threats to the biodiversity in this region come from coral bleaching, pollution, illegal collecting, and soil runoff - a phenomenon related to construction and agricultural practices that leads to increasing sedimentation.
The outbreak of crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci), a predator of corals, poses a serious threat to these reefs.
Resources
• NationalGeographic.com
