Holothurian (Echinodermata) diversity in the Glorieuses Archipelago (Eparses Islands, France, Mozambique Channel)
Conand, C.; Mulochau, T.; Chabanet, P. (2013). Holothurian (Echinodermata) diversity in the Glorieuses Archipelago (Eparses Islands, France, Mozambique Channel). Western Indian Ocean J. Mar. Sci. 12(1): 71-78
In: Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science. Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA): Zanzibar. ISSN 0856-860X, more
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| Author keywords |
Holothuria, Glorieuses Islands, Western Indian Ocean, occurrence, diversity, coral reefs |
| Authors | | Top |
- Conand, C.
- Mulochau, T.
- Chabanet, P.
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| Abstract |
Due to their isolation, Eparses Islands provide a valuable opportunity to investigate biodiversity in the absence of anthropogenic influence. The Glorieuses Archipelago forms part of the Eparses Islands, or the French scattered islands in the Mozambique Channel (Western Indian Ocean). Inventories of several taxa, including the holothurians (Echinodermata), were carried out in December 2012 as part of the BIORECIE (Biodiversity, Resources and Conservation of Eparses Islands) programme. Specimens were collected and photographed on the reef slopes of the island at ten sites down to 20 m and the reef flats at twelve sites. Given the worldwide overexploitation of holothurians, it is important to know their present diversity and distribution in such remote areas. The Holothuria comprised 20 species: 10 species were collected on the slopes and 15 on the reef flats. Despite the limited number of sites surveyed, the occurrence of the different species allowed their categorisation as common, uncommon or rare. The commercial species, Holothuria nobilis, Bohadschia atra and B. subrubra, were common. Comparisons at local and regional scales using the same methodology showed that holothurian diversity in Glorieuses is high, but already occurring illegal fisheries are a serious concern. |
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