Diversity and distribution of seagrasses around Inhaca Island, southern Mozambique

摘要: Nine seagrass species were identified around Inhaca as well a more narrow form of Thalassodendron ciliatum (Forsk.) den Hartog occurring in rocky pools at the north east coast. Seagrasses mapped and grouped seven distinct community types (in order areas covered): Thalassia hemprichii/Halodule wrightii, Zostera capensis, ciliatum/Cymodocea serrulata, ciliatum/seaweeds, Cymodocea rotundata/Halodule serrulata Halophila ovalis /Halodule wrightii; with ninth Syringodium isoetifolium three these communities. A dichotomous identification key is presented. covered half whole intertidal area Island diversity was also high level. Transects macro micro scales showed zonation which may be due to tidal gradients or topographic variation. Cluster analysis indicated ecological dissimilarities between co-dominant species. decline capensis has recently been seen outside local village. Baseline studies like this are important for coastal zone management developing countries, where large future changes cover can expected.