International Journal of Conservation Science, vol: 12,1 (2021)
AN ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF NUDIBRANCH DIVERSITY AMONG HABITATS RECEIVING DIFFERENT DEGREES OF SEDIMENTATION IN JEPARA COASTAL WATERS, INDONESIA
Sabdono A., Radjasa O.K., Trianto A., Sibero M.T., Martynov A., Kristiana R.
Abstract
Nudibranchs are a prominent part of coral reef fauna that changes in their abundance and diversity due to environmental changes. The present study was carried out to assess the relative abundance and diversity of nudibranch among habitats receiving different degrees of sedimentation. A rapid assessment of nudibranch species was conducted by using the Roving Diver Visual Method on 20-27 August 2020. The sedimentation rate data were achieved by measure the number of sediments in traps that are placed in the sea bottom next to coral habitats. Results of the present study recorded 256 individuals representing 6 species of Nudibranchia, which fall into 4 families namely, Discodorididae, Chromodorididae, Polyceridae, and Phyllidiidae. Of the four sampling locations, abundance and species richness was no significantly different. The nudibranch Jorunna funebris species was the most abundant species. Statistically, there were no significant different on sedimentation rates among site locations. No correlations between levels of sedimentation rate and nudibranch abuncance were found either. Jepara coastal waters are still feasible to support the survival of nudibranch life. However, monitoring is needed periodically to screen the condition of the nudibranch fauna. This study provides basic information for future monitoring due to the increasing sedimentation rate and tourism. © 2021. All Rights Reserved.
Keyword: diversity index; Java Sea; Nudibranchia; relative abundance; turbidity