Salt Marsh Ecology in Karainagar , Sri Lanka

Abstract

Salt marshes are dynamic habitat lying on a low energy coastline functioning as ecotones. Salt marshes in Sri Lanka are understudied, unexplored and less concerned for conservation. This study recorded biodiversity and ecology of Karainagar marsh plants and their influence by edaphic factors. Floral diversity was studied with 10m wide line transects at seven points perpendicular to the High Tide Line, comprising 35 quadrats. Six marsh plants of family Amaranthaceae were identified. Suaeda maritima, Halosarcia indica and Salicornia brachiata were abundantly observed. Highest Shannon Index (0.78) and lowest Simpson Index (0.41) values were recorded in Point 3. Cluster analysis classified plots into four clusters and 2D- Multi Dimensional Scaling deduced higher similarity between Points 3, 4, 5 and 7. Positive correlation between elevation and salinity (r=0.829, p=0.00) has influenced plant distribution. Pearson comparison resembled a strong statistically significant correlation between elevation and salinity (p=0.004). The flooding inundation and climatic zonation has resulted in profound increase in salinity in Karainagar. Despite their high ecological value, salt marshes are being destroyed at an alarming rate. Understanding relationship between salt marsh ecology and environmental factors is a key factor in salt marsh conservation and restoration.