The populations of giant clams are decreasing. 10 out of 13 species of the giant clams are classified as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species and protected under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Giant clams were once sustainable despite hunting by the local communities for food and crafts. However, with the increase in demand for various reasons, land reclamation and climate change, it became increasingly difficult for the giant clams to sustain. Their sessile adult phase, late sexual maturity and spawning strategy, further hinders them from replenishing their numbers.
“Vulnerable” status may seem trivial to you as compared to other animals. However, did you know that they are, in fact, vital animals for the marine ecosystem which then affects earth’s other ecosystems? Despite so, the threats that they face are immense and worsening.