Document Type : Article
Authors
- Behzad Rahnama
- Narges Alishah
- Hasan Nasrollahzadeh Saravi
- Eisa Hajiradkouchak
- Hasan Fazli
- Matin Shakoori
- Rahimeh Rahmati
Department of Ecology, Caspian Sea Ecology Research Center, Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute (IFSRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Sari, Iran
Abstract
In this study, the biodiversity and ecological structure of fish communities in the Khersan River (southwest of Iran) were investigated seasonally during 1402-1403. A total of 755 fish belonging to 15 species and 5 families were identified, with the Cyprinidae family having the highest species richness with 9 species. In order to evaluate the ecological status, Shannon-Wiener, Simpson, Margalef, Berger-Parker, Fisher alpha and evenness indices were calculated. The highest Shannon index was observed at stations 3 (2.41) and 4 (2.39) and the lowest at station 2 (1.75). The Simpson index also showed the highest value at stations 3 (0.887) and 4 (0.887), indicating higher diversity and lower dominance of dominant species. Seasonal analysis of the indices showed that biodiversity and Taxa Richnesswere higher in spring and summer (with taxa index= 15) than in autumn and winter. The results of cluster analysis also confirmed the similarity of species structure between stations 3 and 4. The findings of the present study showed that the Khersan River has a relatively good fish species diversity, which can be justified by the highest values of biodiversity indices in the central parts (stations 3 and 4) and in the spring and summer seasons, along with the presence of key species such as Glyptothorax silviae, Squalius lepidus and Squalius cephalus. However, this biodiversity may be affected by natural and anthropogenic factors. The results of this study can be used in management decisions related to habitat protection and regulation of aquatic resource exploitation in the Khersan River.
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