Engelhardt et al, 1997:

"Reefs were classified as sustaining outbreaking populations of A. planci if average densities (minus 1 standard error) exceeded 0.75 individuals per 250 m2 (area of sampling units). This threshold is based on in situ observations and calculations of A. planci feeding rates. Keesing (1990) and Keesing and Lucas (1992) suggested that a density of between 10 and 15 adult A. planci per hectare (10 000 m2) could be sustained in areas with 20-50 % live coral cover. Our increased threshold of 30 A. planci per ha“ (equivalent to 0.75 individuals per 250 m2) takes some additional variables, such as possibly higher coral cover and seasonally reduced feeding rates, into account."

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Citation and/or URL

 Engelhardt, U., Miller, I., Lassig, B., Sweatman, H. & Bass, D. 1997, Crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) populations in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area: status report 1995-96, In Technical Workshop on the State of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, Townsville, Queensland (Australia), 27-29 Nov 1995, eds. D. Wachenfeld, J. Oliver & K. Davis.

Spatial Coverage

 Reef wide

Temporal Coverage

 1995/96

Update Frequency

 Annual

Other Information

 None