eHALOPH - Halophytes Database

Publication Type	J
Authors	Abd El-Wahab, RH
Author Full Name	Abd El-Wahab, Raafat H.
Title	Plant assemblage and diversity variation with human disturbances in coastal habitats of the western Arabian Gulf
Source	JOURNAL OF ARID LAND
Language	English
Document Type	Article
Author Keywords	plant diversity; disturbance gradient; threatened species; habitat fragmentation; coastal habitat; salt marsh restoration
Keywords Plus	MEASURING BETA-DIVERSITY; PRESENCE-ABSENCE DATA; MORPHOLOGICAL-CHARACTERISTICS; FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITY; NITRARIA-RETUSA; ARID RANGELANDS; KUWAIT; VEGETATION; IMPACTS; ECOLOGY
Abstract	Knowledge about plant diversity along disturbance gradients is essential for conservation and management of fragmented coastal habitats. This study examined the effects of human disturbance intensity in coastal habitats of Kuwait on diversity, composition, identity and assemblage of vascular plant species. Plant survey data from 113 plots (5 mx5 m each) were randomly selected in 51 sites at coastal fragmented habitats at three levels of disturbance intensities (high, moderate and low) and were statistically analyzed. The results revealed that about 76% of the recorded species are considered threatened species in Kuwait, most of which are being lost in high disturbed habitats. Disturbance led to the dominance of Zygophyllum qatarense, Cornulaca aucheri and Salsola imbricata, which are species of disturbance indicators. Richness, total plant cover and species diversity were higher in moderate and low disturbed habitats than in high disturbed habitats. Beta diversity between high and low disturbed habitats was higher than either between high and moderate, or between moderate and low disturbed habitats. Cluster analyses showed statistically significant differences in composition of plant assemblages, which indicate high beta diversity between the habitat types. Intensive urbanization and industrialization are among the most serious threats that contribute to declines in biological diversity and rapid fragmentation of coastal habitats in Kuwait. Establishing protective enclosures in the disturbed habitats, planting endangered and vulnerable species, and establishing a natural reserve at Nuwaiseeb are recommended conservation actions to avoid loss of the fragmented coastal habitats and to facilitate restoration of native plants.
Author Address	[Abd El-Wahab, Raafat H.] Suez Canal Univ, Fac Sci, Dept Bot, Ismailia 41522, Egypt; [Abd El-Wahab, Raafat H.] Publ Author Appl Educ & Training, Dept Sci, Fac Basic Educ, Adailiya 73251, Kuwait
Reprint Address	Abd El-Wahab, RH (reprint author), Suez Canal Univ, Fac Sci, Dept Bot, Ismailia 41522, Egypt.; Abd El-Wahab, RH (reprint author), Publ Author Appl Educ & Training, Dept Sci, Fac Basic Educ, Adailiya 73251, Kuwait.
E-mail Address	raafat_hassan@yahoo.com
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Cited Reference Count	50
Publisher	SPRINGER HEIDELBERG
Publisher City	HEIDELBERG
Publisher Address	TIERGARTENSTRASSE 17, D-69121 HEIDELBERG, GERMANY
ISSN	1674-6767
29-Character Source Abbreviation	J ARID LAND
ISO Source Abbreviation	J. Arid Land
Publication Date	OCT
Year Published	2016
Volume	8
Issue	5
Beginning Page	787
Ending Page	798
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)	10.1007/s40333-016-0084-x
Page Count	12
Web of Science Category	Environmental Sciences
Subject Category	Environmental Sciences & Ecology
Document Delivery Number	DQ0ZT
Unique Article Identifier	WOS:000378931000012
Plants associated with this reference	Zygophyllum qatarense