Species Distribution, Diversity, and Abundance of Sea Cucumbers in Tropical Intertidal Zones of Aurora, Philippines

• 作者: Eusebio V. Angara Maria Cristina B. Cañada Michelle A. Resueño
• 来源期刊: 生态学期刊(英文)
• 学科: 地球科学
• 关键词: Sea Cucumber DISTRIBUTION DIVERSITY ABUNDANCE Intertidal Zone
• 年，卷（期）: 2020,（12）
• 页码范围: 768-777
• 页数: 10页
• 分类号: P73

摘要

The distribution, diversity, and abundance of sea cucumbers in intertidal zones of Aurora were studied from February to June 2013 to obtain baseline data. A one-hour timed-search survey covering an approximate one kilometer over a ten-meter wide area was conducted in six coastal municipalities to obtain a comprehensive list of sea cucumber species found in the zones. Only four sampling stations (Baler, Dipaculao, Dilasag, and Dingalan) were selected for belt transect survey, 50 × 50 m, based on the availability of coralline, sandy, muddy sand, and rocky habitats which were laid perpendicular and parallel to each intertidal zone. Timed-search survey revealed a total of 15 species of sea cucumbers distributed among two Orders (Order Aspidochirotida and Order Apodida) and four Families (Family Holothuriidae, Family Stichopodidae, Family Synaptidae, and Family Chirotidae) were recorded. <em>Synapta maculata</em> is most common and has widespread distribution. Belt-tranect surveys showed <em>Holothuria leucospilota</em> is among the most frequently occurring species both during day time (58%) and night time (75%). The Dilasag sampling station had the most diverse species (0.71) while the Dipaculao sampling station had the densest species of <em>Holothuria leucospilota</em> (10,014 in<span style="white-space:nowrap;">&#8729;</span>ha^{<span style="white-space:nowrap;">&#8722;</span>1}) and abundant (95.91%) species.