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<p><i>Leptoseris kalayaanensis</i> Licuanan &amp; Aliño, 2009, is a rare coral that was first discovered in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) of the South China Sea basin. This species has since been encountered at other sites but information on its distribution, depth range, and skeletal microstructure is still limited. Here, we conducted intensive surveys at six reef areas in the Philippines at depths of ~ 2–40&#xa0;m to examine the extent of its distribution. Five colonies of <i>L. kalayaanensis</i> were found at three reef sites in Apo Reef Natural Park (ARNP), Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, representing the easternmost distribution of this species. The corals were observed in crevices on steep walls and slopes at depths ranging from 17 to 29&#xa0;m. Detailed scanning electron micrograph examination of the coral skeletons revealed similarity in microstructure (e.g., septo-costae) to other <i>Leptoseris</i> species. Novel observations such as branching spines and variable distance between spines were also noted. The discovery of this coral species at the ARNP suggests that <i>L. kalayaanensis</i> is endemic to the region and highlights the importance of establishing marine protected areas to provide habitats for a wide range of species, including those that are rare, endemic, or have limited conservation status data.</p>

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The easternmost distribution of Leptoseris kalayaanensis (Scleractinia: Agariciidae)

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月9日

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  • Marielle Ann A. Carungay,
  • Patrick C. Cabaitan,
  • Cecilia Conaco

摘要

Leptoseris kalayaanensis Licuanan & Aliño, 2009, is a rare coral that was first discovered in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) of the South China Sea basin. This species has since been encountered at other sites but information on its distribution, depth range, and skeletal microstructure is still limited. Here, we conducted intensive surveys at six reef areas in the Philippines at depths of ~ 2–40 m to examine the extent of its distribution. Five colonies of L. kalayaanensis were found at three reef sites in Apo Reef Natural Park (ARNP), Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, representing the easternmost distribution of this species. The corals were observed in crevices on steep walls and slopes at depths ranging from 17 to 29 m. Detailed scanning electron micrograph examination of the coral skeletons revealed similarity in microstructure (e.g., septo-costae) to other Leptoseris species. Novel observations such as branching spines and variable distance between spines were also noted. The discovery of this coral species at the ARNP suggests that L. kalayaanensis is endemic to the region and highlights the importance of establishing marine protected areas to provide habitats for a wide range of species, including those that are rare, endemic, or have limited conservation status data.