Photo credit: Dr. John E. Randall
Chapman’s Blenny, Entomacrodus chapmani, is classified as ‘VULNERABLE’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. This species of blenny is found only in shallow, rocky waters (less than 2 metres) and tide pools surrounding Easter Island. It is estimated that this species occupies an area of habitat no greater than 1 km².
While this species is not sought after as food or for the aquarium trade, it is still considered ‘Vulnerable’ because of its extremely limited range and the potential for future reduction in the quality of its habitat. Over the past 10 years, the number of tourists travelling to Easter Island has more than doubled, and will only increase further with the expansion of the Mataveri International Airport in 2011. As tourism on the island increases, so will the amount of coastal development, leading to further loss of suitable habitat for Chapman’s Blenny.
Currently there is no protective legislation in place for this species, but some of its range does fall within three Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) around Easter Island. However, this area alone cannot ensure the survival of this species.
Geographic Range of the Chapman’s Blenny
Credit: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™
To learn more about the Chapman’s Blenny, click here. Or visit the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ by clicking their logo below.
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