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Macrobenthos of natural vs. planted mangroves: Species compositions and functional perspective
Pedram Ghahramani1, Parima Hajializadeh1, Pezhman Maghsoodi1
1School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, 1417935840, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
This study aimed to compare the species and functional diversity of macrobenthic communities between natural and planted mangrove ecosystems. Samples were collected from two mangrove sites in the Gulf of Oman. Physicochemical properties of water and sediment characteristics were analyzed to assess their correlation with community structure. Additionally, the effects of structural complexity and monsoon season were examined by sampling from vegetated and unvegetated habitats across two seasonal phases. A total of 71 species were identified. Species and trait composition significantly differed between the two sites, with the planted site characterized by a high dominance of grazing gastropods and the absence of polychaetes. Species composition was strongly correlated with sediment characteristics, with the planted site exhibiting coarser, sandy sediments and the natural site comprising mainly finer silt and clay. Functional and species diversity indices were generally lower in the planted site. Diversity indices were not consistently higher in vegetated habitats. The monsoon season increased diversity indices, but only in unvegetated habitats of the natural ecosystem. Our results suggest that while mangrove plantations contribute to ecosystem formation and biodiversity enhancement, they do not yet support communities as diverse as those in natural mangroves. Environmental conditions and possible pollution may be influencing these differences, requiring further investigation. Improved afforestation strategies, waste management, and long-term monitoring are essential for fostering resilient mangrove ecosystems.
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