ISSN:
1573-5117
Keywords:
Banc d'Arguin
;
Mauritania
;
tidal flats
;
zoobenthos
;
biomass
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract The biomass of the benthic macrofauna of the tidal flats of the Banc d'Arguin, Mauritania, retained by a sieve of 0.6 mm, has been estimated. The total biomass amounts to about 17.0 g ash-free dry weight (AFDW) m−2 in the area sampled (about 300 km2). The large bivalve Anadara senilis is responsible for 8.1 g AFDW m−2, over 100 other species for another 8.9 g m−2. The largest biomasses are found near the continental shore; at the offshore tidal flats benthic filter-feeders are lacking. Seagrass beds, which occupy the larger part of the tidal flats, have an under average biomass. Sebkhas, extremely saline flats above mean high-water mark, contain no live animals. To sustain the consumption of benthic prey by the very abundant wintering shorebirds relatively low P/B ratios are sufficient.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00006193
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