There are many endangered, or "at risk" species that inhabit the Great Barrier Reef. To name a few, there are different types of sea shells, fish, sharks, sea snakes, crocodiles, birds, seals, and whales and dolphins. The most known endangered species of the Great Barrier Reef, which are also internationally endangered are sea turtles, the blue whale, and the dugong, or sea cow.
Sea Turtles
There are seven different types of sea turtle that are endangered across the world. Two types that are endangered and live in the Great Barrier Reef are the Leatherback Turtle, and the Olive Ridley Turtle.
The Leatherback turtles are the largest living species of turtle, and they are found all over the world. They are rarely found on the shores of beaches, but rather around the reefs near Queensland. Their main food source are macro-plankton, such as jellyfish. In the past years, they have been traveling to other places to breed, like the oceans of Indonesia, where there is a larger population of these turtles. Their populations have been declining due to residential and commercial development, tourism, and temperature extremes. There isn't an exact number for the population number of these turtles, but the population has decreased.
The Olive Ridley turtle is the smallest out of all marine turtles, and is found mainly in soft bottomed, shallow, protected waters in southern Queensland. They generally eat crab, shellfish, and gastropods. They are endangered due to residential and commercial development, tourism and recreational area, pollution, and temperature extremes. There isn't an exact number for the population number of these turtles, but the population has decreased.
There are seven different types of sea turtle that are endangered across the world. Two types that are endangered and live in the Great Barrier Reef are the Leatherback Turtle, and the Olive Ridley Turtle.
The Leatherback turtles are the largest living species of turtle, and they are found all over the world. They are rarely found on the shores of beaches, but rather around the reefs near Queensland. Their main food source are macro-plankton, such as jellyfish. In the past years, they have been traveling to other places to breed, like the oceans of Indonesia, where there is a larger population of these turtles. Their populations have been declining due to residential and commercial development, tourism, and temperature extremes. There isn't an exact number for the population number of these turtles, but the population has decreased.
The Olive Ridley turtle is the smallest out of all marine turtles, and is found mainly in soft bottomed, shallow, protected waters in southern Queensland. They generally eat crab, shellfish, and gastropods. They are endangered due to residential and commercial development, tourism and recreational area, pollution, and temperature extremes. There isn't an exact number for the population number of these turtles, but the population has decreased.
Dugong
The dugong, also known as a sea cow, are the only marine animals in Australia that live mainly on plants. They get the name sea cow because they graze on sea grass in sheltered coastlines. These animals play an important ecological role in the ecosystem, and the status of their populations can be an indicator of the ecosystem's health.
Dugong generally inhabit shallow, tropical waters, and most of the worlds population can be found in northern Australia. They are listed as vulnerable to extinct in the IUNC's Red Listed of Threatened Animals.There are many reasons why they are endangered, a few being residential and commercial development, shipping lanes being built in their habitats, and oil spills. Australia holds the largest population of dugongs because they are closely watching the animals. They are protected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975, where they are listed as a protected species, but even in Australia they are at risk. There are many concerns because the numbers of these animals have declined due to boatstrike, accidental capture in fishing nets, marine debris, and declining water quality. Even though they are being closely watched, recovery from the population decline can take several years.
The dugong, also known as a sea cow, are the only marine animals in Australia that live mainly on plants. They get the name sea cow because they graze on sea grass in sheltered coastlines. These animals play an important ecological role in the ecosystem, and the status of their populations can be an indicator of the ecosystem's health.
Dugong generally inhabit shallow, tropical waters, and most of the worlds population can be found in northern Australia. They are listed as vulnerable to extinct in the IUNC's Red Listed of Threatened Animals.There are many reasons why they are endangered, a few being residential and commercial development, shipping lanes being built in their habitats, and oil spills. Australia holds the largest population of dugongs because they are closely watching the animals. They are protected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975, where they are listed as a protected species, but even in Australia they are at risk. There are many concerns because the numbers of these animals have declined due to boatstrike, accidental capture in fishing nets, marine debris, and declining water quality. Even though they are being closely watched, recovery from the population decline can take several years.
Blue Whale
The blue whale is considered the largest animal of all time. They can reach up to 100 feet in length and weigh 150 tons. Their main food source is krill, and they are generally found in oceans all around the world, including the Great Barrier Reef. The main reason they are endangered is due to the aggressive whale hunting in the 1900s. They also fall prey to many sharks, as well as severe weather and climate change.
The blue whale is considered the largest animal of all time. They can reach up to 100 feet in length and weigh 150 tons. Their main food source is krill, and they are generally found in oceans all around the world, including the Great Barrier Reef. The main reason they are endangered is due to the aggressive whale hunting in the 1900s. They also fall prey to many sharks, as well as severe weather and climate change.
Information found from IUNC Red List and the Australian Government's Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority