Latest Articles from BioRisk Latest 2 Articles from BioRisk https://biorisk.pensoft.net/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 15:52:25 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://biorisk.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from BioRisk https://biorisk.pensoft.net/ Structure and ecological indices of the fish assemblage of the recently restored Al-Hammar Marsh, southern Iraq https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1838/ BioRisk 3: 173-186

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.3.11

Authors: Najah Hussain, Abdul-Razak Mohamed, Sajed Al Noor, Falah Mutlak, Ibrahim Abed, Brian Coad

Abstract: The aim of the present study is to determine the species composition, the structure of the fish assemblages, and to develop ecological indices in the restored east Al-Hammar Marsh. Fish were collected from October 2005 to September 2006 at two stations (Mansoury and Burkah). Fish samples contained freshwater species, both native and alien, and marine species. Thirty-one species were collected, eleven of them marine, the rest freshwater. Native species numbered 14 (45%), alien species 6 (19%) and marine species 11 (36%). Resident species formed 32.2%, seasonal species 16.0% and occasional species 51.6% of the fauna. The abundance of species varied, Liza abu being the most dominant species, with Carassius auratus ranking second and Acanthobrama marmid ranking third, comprising 35.8%, 23.6% and 10.6% respectively. Ecological indices were as follows: diversity ranged from 1.07 in November to 2.01 in July, richness ranged from 0.74 in December to 2.83 in July, and evenness ranged from 0.48 in November to 0.84 in December. The highest monthly similarity was in May at 77% and lowest in December at 29%. Water temperature showed medium correlations (0.62 and 0.58) with both the number of species and the total catch, respectively, while salinity exhibited weak positive correlations (0.05 and 0.26) with both the number and the total catch of species, respectively. Temperature is related to species number, presumably as a surrogate for many other seasonal changes.

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Research Article Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200
Key Biodiversity Areas: Rapid assessment of fish fauna in southern Iraq https://biorisk.pensoft.net/article/1837/ BioRisk 3: 161-171

DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.3.15

Authors: Ibrahim Abed, Clayton Rubec, Brian Coad

Abstract: Surveys of fish in the southern marshes of Iraq are an integral component of the Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) Project that was initiated in 2005 by Nature Iraq. This included sampling in the January to February and June periods of 2005, 2006 and 2007. Fish species occurrence, relative abundance, and weight and length were recorded. Species of importance for local consumption were noted. An initial project report included details and photographs of the species observed in 2005. Records based on interviews with local residents are noted. Sixteen “Species of Special Concern” are proposed, considering both economic and ecological factors that may be relevant to a future national fish management strategy in Iraq.

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Research Article Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0200