Review of Coral Classification Status: A Case Study of Kiunga Marine National Reserve, North Coast Kenya

Abstract

Coral classification is a dynamic science which requires regular updates on the species name changes, distribution, threats of extinction and the methods used to detect these changes. Use of a single method of classification either morphological or genetic is not sufficient to confirm the changes. A review of Coral classification for the Kiunga Marine National Reserve (KMNR) in north coast Kenya was conducted during October, 2014 and July 2015 to ascertain the current status and assess the coverage on phylogenetic literature; IUCN Red List status and reference to threats facing the species which are local or elsewhere. Results from this study showed that Corals from Kiunga Marine National Park were well covered in all aspects of phylogenetic literature at 89.4% making it possible to adequately group them to their IUCN Red list categories. However, the analysis detected a group of species which had not been assigned into any status on the IUCN Red list classification, representing 8.6%. With data and information on such omissions, the species could be faced with several threats hence the need to conduct further studies and analysis focusing on acquiring comprehensive data and information for clear establishment of updated status of the taxonomy of Corals so as to correctly label them in the groups.