Comparative studies on the intertidal marine biodiversity of Macro benthos of Kachchh coastal region, Gujarat, India

R A Naz; G A Thivakaran; Jessen George; V Devi; Nithun L; S Suriyanarayanan

R A Naz Department of Water and Health, Faculty of Life Sciences, JSS University, SS Nagar, Mysore, Karnataka, India-570015
G A Thivakaran Department,of Microbiology, Center for Research and P.G. studies, Indian Academy Degree College- Autonomous, Bangalore-560043
Jessen George Department of Water and Health, Faculty of Life Sciences, JSS University, SS Nagar, Mysore, Karnataka, India-570015
V Devi Marine Division, Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, Bhuj-370001
Nithun L Marine Division, Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, Bhuj-370001
S Suriyanarayanan Department of Water and Health, Faculty of Life Sciences, JSS University, SS Nagar, Mysore, Karnataka, India-570015

Abstract

The Gulf of Kachchh coast, western India is highly rich in biodiversity. The present comparative study has been undertaken to examine the intertidal biodiversity (Macrobenthos) of the three different shores of the Kachchh coast. The three different sites chosen for the study area were Tragadi (Muddy coast), Nana Layja (Rocky coast) and Luni (Sandy coast). The study was done to find a comparatively more suitable habitat coast and the highest number of diversity species. A total of 15 live species of intertidal organisms were recorded from the quadrates in the three sites. Shannon-Wiener and Simpsonâ€™s diversity index, Margalefâ€™s richness index and Pielouâ€™s evenness index were calculated. The study concludes that amongst the three sites, Nana Layja showed to have the highest species diversity compared to the other two sites and the species diversity list results showthatGastropodswere recorded highest in number followed by Crustaceans in the three sites.