نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
نویسندگان
گروه زیست شناسی و زیست فناوری دریا و آبزیان، دانشکده علوم و فناوری زیستی، دانشگاه شهید بهشتی، تهران ایران
چکیده
کلیدواژهها
عنوان مقاله [English]
نویسندگان [English]
Introduction: Macrobenthos are a key part of aquatic ecosystems, serving as a food source for demersal predators and improving the structure of the environment. They play an important role in marine food webs and are essential for the functioning of coastal ecosystems. Due to their high sensitivity to environmental changes, they serve as key indicators for assessing the health of aquatic habitats. The Caspian Sea, as the largest enclosed water body in the world, hosts a unique biodiversity that is influenced by various factors such as climate change, invasive species, pollution, and human exploitation. Previous studies indicate that the species composition of macrobenthos in this sea has changed over time. However, the lack of a comprehensive and updated database on the biodiversity status of this group poses challenges for conservation efforts and sustainable resource management. Therefore, the present study aims to compile and provide a comprehensive and updated checklist of macrobenthic species in the Caspian Sea, serving as a valuable reference for biodiversity monitoring, environmental management, and conservation planning.
Materials and Methods: The checklist of macrobenthos was compiled using peer-reviewed articles, books, and various reports related to the Caspian Sea. Data on macrobenthos were collected from reliable scientific sources, including published studies, taxonomic keys, reports, and online databases from 1994 to 2023. The identified species were validated using international standard databases such as WORMS and GBIF. Finally, all taxonomic classifications were updated according to the WORMS database.
Results and Discussion: A total of 584 species of macrobenthos were identified in this study, belonging to 240 genera, 112 families, 55 orders, and 27 classes. The highest species diversity was observed in arthropods (323 species, 55.31%), followed by mollusks (190 species, 32.53%), while other groups, such as nematodes, comprised a smaller proportion of the community. Approximately 80% of these benthic species are endemic to the Caspian Sea. This high level of endemism highlights the unique biodiversity of the region and highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect these species from environmental threats. Previous studies reported significantly fewer macrozoobenthic species, likely due to their limited geographic study area at a local scale. The present study, by providing a comprehensive checklist, offers valuable insights into the biodiversity of the Caspian Sea ecosystem. Accurate data on macrozoobenthic diversity is crucial in marine resource management and ecosystem health conservation. This checklist not only serves as a reference tool for biodiversity assessments but also supports the monitoring of ecological changes driven by natural factors, human activities, and climate change.
Conclusion: The high number of species identified in this study highlights the biological richness and structural complexity of the Caspian Sea's benthic community. Arthropods were the dominant macrobenthic group, emphasizing their key role in the benthic ecosystem, followed by mollusks, which also significantly contribute to ecological balance. The findings of this study are valuable not only for research but also for environmental policymakers and natural resource managers, as they can aid in developing conservation strategies and sustainable management plans for marine ecosystems.
کلیدواژهها [English]
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