3.1

The most important known threat for this species is extensive reduction of coral reef habitat due to a combination of threats. Specific population trends are unknown but population reduction can be inferred from estimated habitat loss (Wilkinson 2004). It is widespread in deeper environments albeit at low abundances, and threats operating are not known to be resulting in any population declines and extirpations have not been observed. When performing presence/absence surveys, these corals are commonly encountered. However, the current population trend is unknown due to limited surveys in deeper reef environments, and because quantitative survey methods may overlook the species given the small size of the colonies. Therefore, the estimated habitat loss of 10% from reefs already destroyed within its range is the best inference of population reduction since it may survive in coral reefs already at the critical stage of degradation (Wilkinson 2004). This inference of population reduction over three generation lengths (30 years) does not meet the threshold of a threat category and this species is Least Concern. However, because of predicted threats from climate change and ocean acidification it will be important to reassess this species in 10 years or sooner, particularly if the species is also observed to disappear from reefs currently at the critical stage of reef degradation.