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The Mesoamerican Reef (Great Mayan Reef) has many different types of species in its vast waters. This reef has more than 65 species of coral more than 500 species of fish, 350 mollusks, marine mammals, algae, and seagrass. Some examples of fish are: bonefish, tarpon, and permit fish. Some species of coral are: brain, elk horn, and black corals. This reef contains the largest population of manatees as well. There are also mammoths, whale sharks, and many marine turtles. There are many endangered species such as: saltwater crocodile, green, hawksbill, and loggerhead sea turtles, nassau and goliath grouper.
This area is threatened by many things, however. Some factors that are threatening this area are: overfishing, pollution from human settlements and agriculture, sedimentation, inappropriate tourism practices, and changing land uses along the coast. Climate change is the biggest threat. Climate change is causing higher water temperatures, sea-level rise, and stronger tropical storms- all of which are pushing natural systems to their limit.