AS concern grows over the future of coral reefs around the world, Scottish scientists have discovered that tough species of ‘super’ coral could be the key to efforts to conserve coral habitats.

Resilient species of coral known as coralliths can move to inhospitable areas and lay the foundations for new reefs, according to a new study by Scottish researchers.

Scientists from Heriot-Watt University and the Universities of Edinburgh, and Glasgow made the discovery while carrying out fieldwork on coralliths in the tropical waters of the Maldives

The researchers discovered that these tough, mobile corals can create their own stable habitats, which act as a base upon which other species can attach and build reefs.

Coralliths grow on pebbles or fragments of dead reefs, and they can survive being buffeted by waves and ocean currents.

According to the study published in the journal Scientific Reports and which was funded by the Natural Environment Research Council, the findings suggest many existing coral habitats – particularly those in areas dominated by sand and rubble – may have been created by coralliths.

The ability of coralliths to establish themselves in harsh environments mean they could play a key role in efforts to conserve at risk habitats, the team says.

Coralliths have previously been identified in the fossil record, and evidence suggests that they have played a role in reef formation since at least the last Ice Age.

The researchers identified a variety of structures – from pea-sized balls to boulders several feet across – in places where corals would not otherwise be able to settle and survive.