Historical and ecological drivers of the spatial pattern of Chondrichthyes species richness in the Mediterranean Sea.

ABSTRACT: Chondrichthyes, which include Elasmobranchii (sharks and batoids) and Holocephali (chimaeras), are a relatively small group in the Mediterranean Sea (89 species) playing a key role in the ecosystems where they are found. At present, many species of this group are threatened as a result of anthropogenic effects, including fishing activity. Knowledge of the spatial distribution of these species is of great importance to understand their ecological role and for the efficient management of their populations, particularly if affected by fisheries. This study aims to analyze the spatial patterns of the distribution of Chondrichthyes species richness in the Mediterranean Sea. Information provided by the studied countries was used to model geographical and ecological variables affecting the Chondr

SUBMITTER: Melendez MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5391105 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature