Estimated to be over 400 years old, Muga dhambi is one of the world's oldest corals and widest coral structure in the Great Barrier Reef. It was discovered by a group of snorkelers off the coast of Goolboodi (Orpheus Island), which is part of Queensland's Palm Island Group. It is located in a relatively remote, secluded and highly protected marine area.
Muga dhambi, which means "huge coral," is the name given to this massive beauty by the Manbarra people, the region's traditional custodians. The coral belongs to the genus Porites and is part of the "huge Porites" group of corals. It's made up of small, rocky polyps and is brown to cream in color.
Climate change, diminishing water quality, and other factors that could destroy the coral are all risks to the Great Barrier Reef. For the time being, Muga dhambi is said to be in good health. Nonetheless, a preservation and awareness program has been created to assure its safety for future generation.
Image by: Richard Woodgett and Shuttershock
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