Premium
Plant diversity and community structure of W adi G imal protected area, R ed S ea C oast of E gypt
Author(s) -
Galal Tarek M.,
Fahmy Ahmed G.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
african journal of ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.499
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1365-2028
pISSN - 0141-6707
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2028.2012.01320.x
Subject(s) - species evenness , species richness , dominance (genetics) , floristics , species diversity , ecology , biology , biochemistry , gene
The present study deals with the analysis of the floristic composition and plant diversity of W adi G imal protectorate. Its major aim is to identify community types and environmental factors that affect their growth and distribution. These quantitative data provide rangers with knowledge that is necessary for monitoring and managing plant communities within the protected areas, as well as restoration of vegetation‐depleted habitats. Twenty‐seven stands were selected along the length of W adi and its tributaries. Thirty‐five species were recorded in W adi G imal; with P oaceae as the dominant family and P hanerophytes dominating over other life forms. S aharo‐ A rabians were the predominant chorological element. Six vegetation groups were recognized in W adi G imal. Z illa spinosa ( VG C ) which inhabited the W adi bed had the highest species richness, species turnover, relative evenness and relative concentration of dominance. C apparis sinaica ( VG A ) which inhabited the mountain slope had the lowest species richness, relative evenness and relative concentration of dominance, while S alvadora persica group had the lowest species turnover. P hoenix dactylifera– H yphaene thebaica ( VG F ) which dominated the deltaic part of W adi, had the highest salinity; whilst A cacia ehrenbergiana ( VG E ) which dominated the upper‐stream part of the W adi had the lowest value of salinity.