Study

Demographics and dynamics of two restored populations of the threatened reef-building coral Acropora cervicornis

  • Published source details Mercado-Molina A.E., Ruiz-Diaz C.P. & Sabat A.M. (2015) Demographics and dynamics of two restored populations of the threatened reef-building coral Acropora cervicornis. Journal for Nature Conservation, 24, 17-23.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Transplant nursery-grown coral onto natural substrate

Action Link
Coral Conservation
  1. Transplant nursery-grown coral onto natural substrate

    A replicated study in 2011–2012 on two coral reefs off Culebra Island, Puerto Rico (Mercado-Molina et al. 2015) found that a year after transplanting nursery-grown staghorn coral Acropora cervicornis fragments onto natural substrate, there was no difference in survival between large and small fragments, but large fragments grew faster. One year after transplanting, there was no difference in average survival between large (62%) and small (57–68%) coral fragments. However, large fragments on average grew more quickly (0.3–0.4 cm/day) and produced more branches (9–14 branches/year) than small fragments (0.1–0.2 cm/day; 6–11 branches/year). In May 2011, large (>25 cm) and small (<25 cm) Acropora cervicornis branches were clipped from colonies grown in two in-situ nurseries and transplanted to two nearby reefs. The branches were attached directly to the natural substrate (3–4 m deep) with concrete nails and plastic cable ties. Survival was monitored one month later and every three months thereafter for one year in total. Growth was calculated using photographs taken at transplantation and the final survey.

    (Summarised by: Eleanor Bladon)

Output references
What Works 2021 cover

What Works in Conservation

What Works in Conservation provides expert assessments of the effectiveness of actions, based on summarised evidence, in synopses. Subjects covered so far include amphibians, birds, mammals, forests, peatland and control of freshwater invasive species. More are in progress.

More about What Works in Conservation

Download free PDF or purchase
The Conservation Evidence Journal

The Conservation Evidence Journal

An online, free to publish in, open-access journal publishing results from research and projects that test the effectiveness of conservation actions.

Read the latest volume: Volume 21

Go to the CE Journal

Discover more on our blog

Our blog contains the latest news and updates from the Conservation Evidence team, the Conservation Evidence Journal, and our global partners in evidence-based conservation.


Who uses Conservation Evidence?

Meet some of the evidence champions

Endangered Landscape ProgrammeRed List Champion - Arc Kent Wildlife Trust The Rufford Foundation Mauritian Wildlife Supporting Conservation Leaders
Sustainability Dashboard National Biodiversity Network Frog Life The international journey of Conservation - Oryx Cool Farm Alliance UNEP AWFA Bat Conservation InternationalPeople trust for endangered species Vincet Wildlife Trust