Marine animal forests: marketing or ecology?

Gorgonians and black corals are flexible-skeleton corals that grow in branching, tree-like structures, forming dense aggregations that resemble terrestrial forests. Known as “ecosystem engineers,” these corals shape their surroundings, creating habitats that support a wide range of marine species. When gorgonians and black corals reach high densities, they form underwater “animal forests,” a term coined to distinguish these coral assemblages from plant-based terrestrial forests.

Despite their physiological differences from trees, animal forests play ecologically analogous roles to terrestrial forests. Their dense canopies offer refuge for prey, hunting grounds for predators, and optimal light, current, and biochemical conditions for various marine organisms. By modifying the environment beneath their canopies, gorgonians and black corals enhance biodiversity, creating a “complex system” whose functions exceed those of individual coral colonies.

The concept of “animal forests” extends beyond the analogy, providing a powerful framework for studying marine ecosystems. By grounding on theories from forest ecology, marine scientists can apply methodologies and conceptual models that accelerate coral research. Terrestrial forest ecology models addressing species interactions, spatial dynamics, and ecosystem services offer a robust theoretical foundation, adaptable to the study of underwater animal forests, thus enabling a cross-disciplinary approach to marine ecology and conservation.

In recent years, the term “animal forest” has gained momentum in scientific literature for its descriptive and communicative impact. However, it still lacks a formal scientific definition, raising the question of whether it can serve as a quantifiable ecological framework. Our research aims to evaluate the “animal forest” concept, determining if it can be scientifically validated and measured or if it functions primarily as a communicative tool. We aim to establish whether the concept of animal forests has a practical value in ecosystem modeling, potentially advancing marine ecological research and conservation by integrating terrestrial forest principles directly into coral studies. By validating this framework, we aim to promote a better understanding of marine biodiversity and foster research, conservation, and restoration.