Hongo C. auteur aut IRD Wirrmann Denis auteur aut IRD text journalArticle eng text/pdf born digital access The recognition of key coral species (KCS) in the geological record, i.e. those that contribute to reef formation and maintenance of coral reef ecosystems, is important for understanding the development and evolution of reef ecosystems and for forecasting their responses to climate change and anthropogenic impacts in the near future. This study examined the contribution to reef formation and maintenance of KCS from Pleistocene and Holocene barrier reefs in New Caledonia, based on analyses of six cores retrieved from three different reefs: Islets Kendec, Amédée, and Bayes. Our results indicate that at least 19 genera and 33 species of corals contributed to reef formation and maintenance during the Holocene in New Caledonia. Among them, Goniastrea retiformis, Isopora palifera, Dipsastraea pallida/speciosa complex, corymbose Acropora sp., massive Porites sp., and encrusting Porites sp. were KCS during the Holocene. This observation suggests that KCS will potentially contribute to the formation and persistence of reefs in the near future under conditions of estimated global sea-level rise of 0.2–0.6 m/100 years. However, the distributions and abundances of these species are currently decreasing. This study emphasizes the need for further research on the restoration and conservation of potential KCS. specialized RECIF BARRIERE RECIF CORALLIEN HOLOCENE PLEISTOCENE ESPECE DIVERSITE SPECIFIQUE DISTRIBUTION SPATIALE ABONDANCE NOUVELLE CALEDONIE PACIFIQUE 036MILMAR 064STRATI 24 1 31–46 2015 1440-1738 https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010064268 10.1111/iar.12090 1440-1738 [F B010064268] https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010064268 https://www.documentation.ird.fr/intranet/publi/depot/2015-11-03/010064268.pdf Accès réservé (Intranet de l'IRD) IRD - Base Horizon / Pleins textes 2015-03-11 2015-11-09 fdi:010064268 fre