Reef Corals of the Eastern Lagoon (Touho-Ponerihouen) of Grande-Terre, New Caledonia

A survey of the northeastern lagoon of New Caledonia identified 333 coral species, including 36 new to the region and nine newly described. This brings the total known coral species in New Caledonia to 457, surpassing previous estimates. The study found higher diversity than other parts of New Caledonia and comparable levels to the Coral Triangle. Notably, five species were listed as endangered and 68 as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. The research also confirmed the presence of rare species like Heliopora coerulea and Millepora tuberosa, extending their known biogeographic ranges. Coral diversity was highest in lagoon sites, correlated with depth range, and certain sites exhibited high replenishment and rarity indices.

Fenner, D. (2010). Reef Corals of the Eastern Lagoon (Touho-Ponerihouen) of Grande-Terre, New Caledonia. A Rapid Marine Biodiversity Assessment of the Northeastern Lagoon from Touho to Ponérihouen, Province Nord, New Caledonia. https://doi.org/10.1896/054.062.0102