Environmental gradients structure gorgonian assemblages on coral reefs in SE Sulawesi, Indonesia

摘要: Indonesian coral reefs are the epicenter of marine biodiversity, yet under rapid anthropogenically induced decline. Therefore, ecological monitoring high diversity taxa is paramount to facilitate effective management and conservation. This study presents an initial report from a comprehensive survey shallow-water (0–15 m) gorgonian assemblage composition structure across sites with varying habitat quality within Wakatobi Marine National Park (WMNP), SE Sulawesi, Indonesia. Current estimates over 90 morphospecies 38 genera 12 families calcaxonian, holaxonian scleraxonian groups reported. extensive confirms local abundance, species richness in absence anthropogenic influence increasing depth. Notably, morphological variants zooxanthellate Isis hippuris Linnaeus, 1758, Briareum Blainville, 1830, drive site differences environmental gradients. Azooxanthellate taxa, particularly Plexauridae, Of 14 predictor variables measured, benthic characteristics, water flow natural light explained just 30% structure. Furthermore, azooxanthellate partitioned distinct communities into two trophic groups—autotrophs heterotrophs, respectively—with contrasting abundance patterns between sites. strongly supports WMNP as area regional diversity. Varying clines can provide foundation for future research conservation strategies some most biodiverse ecosystems world.