Intertidal Species Diversity of Southern Coastline of Qeshm Island, Based on Dominant Biotope
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Abstract
Ecological classification of the coastal zone, have recently been using the “biotope” as a unit. Lexically “biotope” is synonymous with habitat, but with different ecological concepts. Various biotopes in 122 km intertidal stretch of the southern coasts of the Qeshm Island (Qeshm city in east to Dustaku village in west) in four seasons were identified and mapped out (2009-2010). Considering the extent and geomorphology of the covered area (sandy, rocky and rocky-sandy), 12 stations within four sub-regions were designated, using GPS. The work was carried out through monitoring, photography and sampling of biotic communities, using quadrate method and sediment sampling for particle size and total organic matter. Totally 60 major biotopes in 10 biotic groups were identified, of which more than 65% were located in rocky and rocky-sandy coast (mid-eastern) and the rest in sandy coast (mid-western). These results can be used in management approaches, because biotopes as distinctive and repeatable communities might be considered as indicators of change due to various pressures.
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