[en] Black corals are slow-growing and long-living organisms forming high biodiverse ecosystems called black coral meadows. They are threatened in many different places, especially in Madagascar. They are savagely and illegally harvested in the whole southern region of the country in order to be sold as jewels and ornaments. These ecosystems are destined to disappear without any control and management. The Marine Organisms Biology and Biomimetics Lab carries out research about the biology of these corals, which is part of a conservation programme where the first step is the identification of the species that need to be protected.
