What is the conservation status of the seahorse?
Seahorse behaviour and ecology make them very vulnerable to over-exploitation. In the 2002 World Conservation Union (IUCN) Red list of Threatened Species, nine of the 33 seahorse species are listed as Vulnerable, with one listed as Endangered. The other 23 are listed as Data Deficient, demonstrating the lack of knowledge of seahorse biology, and the urgent need for more research. The Red List also indicates the need for the development of conservation programs. For more information about the IUCN Red List, see www.redlist.
