From Phuket, Thailand the Phuket Marine Biological Centre recently gave an update on the status of giant clams in Thailand’s coastal waters. It didn’t paint a rosy picture.

Worldwide Giant clams are on the endangered species list, and in Thailand are official protected wildlife. Accordingly harvesting, possession and trade are illegal, but in spite of this, poaching is causing a dramatic decrease in the giant clam population and, fear the experts, it may soon be come extinct in its natural habitat.

The gigantic mollusk, capable of growing up to 1.2m wide and weighing up to 200kg, is an attractive source of food, while aquarium owners covet the colourful shells. Other uses include decorative accessories, tableware and, if it’s large enough, even sinks!

Globally there are 8 known species of giant clam and 5 of them used to populate the waters of Thailand. Researchers at the Phuket Marine Biological Centre believe, however, that 2 of the 5 species are already extinct.

In an attempt to reverse their decline, the Giant Clam Rehabilitation Project in some Andaman coastal areas are trying to preserve the current population and spawning new giant clams.

But with illegal trade being swift and the rehabilitation process slow, one can only ponder the impact the rehabilitation program alone will have.

Based on an article from Phuket Gazette
Image: Public Domain – Wikipedia Commons