The coral reefs Lifou are extremely rich

2002/02/05 Elhuyar Zientzia

• Biologia
• Zoologia
• Ekologia
• Ozeanografia

New Caledonia is the department of the French Navy located in the southwest of the Pacific. Its coral reefs are a paradise for zoologists and ecologists from all over the world, with incredible biodiversity. However, due to the few studies carried out, many of his treasures are still unknown.

In order to analyze all this richness, between the Natural History Museum of France and the Research Institute for Development carried out the scientific project LIFOU 2000. The island Lifou is an atoll raised on the sea whose reefs descend directly on the seabed. It was attended by 35 researchers in the months of October and November 2000, who worked with the pants: In 5 thousand hectares live 3,000 mollusk species, that is, 1,5 times more than in the Mediterranean! In addition, most of the observed species are very rare, since 28% only saw them once and 22% were unique specimens.

The results were so promising that now 120 taxonomes are studying and classifying the species. Undoubtedly, to fulfill the job they will need a few years. In addition, they warn that if you want to preserve that wealth, you have to make reservations.