Spatial heterogeneity of coral reef benthic communities in Kenya.

ABSTRACT: Spatial patterns of coral reef benthic communities vary across a range of broad-scale biogeographical levels to fine-scale local habitat conditions. This study described spatial patterns of coral reef benthic communities spanning across the 536-km coast of Kenya. Thirty-eight reef sites representing different geographical zones within an array of habitats and management levels were assessed by benthic cover, coral genera and coral colony size classes. Three geographical zones were identified along the latitudinal gradient based on their benthic community composition. Hard coral dominated the three zones with highest cover in the south and Porites being the most abundant genus. Almost all 15 benthic variables differed significantly between geographical zones. The interaction of habitat fact

SUBMITTER: Karisa JF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7449394 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature