Biodiversity patterns of macrofauna associated with Halodule wrightii (Ascherson) in meadows of north-eastern Brazil

Context

Seagrass meadows are highly productive habitats with a vast species diversity that perform multiple ecosystem services. The fauna associated with these environments is responsible for many of the ecosystem services. Therefore, the fauna composition and functional characteristics should be considered in studies addressing seagrass meadows.

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the differences in the taxonomic and functional compositions of the macrofauna associated with Halodule wrightii (Ascherson) meadows subject to different settings of habitat characteristics in the shallow coastal regions of the north-eastern coast of Brazil.

Methods

We used the Hill diversity series to estimate taxonomic diversity, whereas functional diversity was estimated through biological-trait analyses.

Key results

Distinct patterns of taxonomic and functional diversities were observed among meadows. However, the composition of functional traits diverged more. Lower taxonomic and functional diversity were observed in the Suape meadows, with values mainly related to the low organic matter content. Catuama meadows presented opposite results, associated with higher organic matter and plant density.

Conclusions

The meadow heterogeneity can influence the associated macrofauna and its functional characteristics.

Implications

These results are highly relevant for predicting the consequences of changes in seagrass meadows and how this affects the functioning of these ecosystems.