Large‐scale changes in macrobenthic biodiversity driven by mangrove afforestation

Abstract

Large‐scale anthropogenic mangroves have been constructed in coastal regions worldwide but our understanding of their ecological effects is limited. In particular, the question of whether and how anthropogenic mangroves influence biodiversity patterns remains elusive. Here, we investigated the influence of large‐scale anthropogenic mangroves on biodiversity patterns of mangrove macrobenthos. Specifically, we measure and seek to explain differences in species richness, abundance, assemblage composition and distance‐decay effect before and after the construction of anthropogenic mangroves. We surveyed assemblages of gastropod, bivalve and crab species over a wide latitudinal extent (24–28°N) in subtropical China. For each, we calculated species richness, abundance, assemblage composition and distance‐decay relationship before and after the construction of anthropogenic mangroves. After the large‐scale anthropogenic mangroves, we found species richness of gastropods, bivalves and crabs increased by 23.81%, 100% and 20%, respectively. The distance‐decay effects of gastropods and bivalves decreased by 25% and 91.43%, while that of crabs remained virtually unchanged, which mediated by increased dispersal rate of macrobenthos. With mangrove plantation, compositional similarity of crab and bivalve assemblages increased by 28.57% and 38.46%, suggesting that large‐scale monospecific planting exacerbate biotic homogenization. Altogether, these results indicate that large‐scale anthropogenic habitats increase the diversity of mangrove macrobenthos and change taxonomic compositions by reducing distance‐decay effects and increasing dispersal rate of macrobenthos. Synthesis and applications. We emphasize that afforestation of coastal wetlands can drive major changes in benthonic communities. Monitoring and assessing the ecological effects of the anthropogenic habitats for the presence of functional faunas will be important in determining the future coastal restoration and maintaining economic aquaculture. Quantifying those effects in terms of regional biodiversity composition will contribute to the management of coastal restoration to be based upon macroevidence rather than a one‐sided local perspective.

Comparison of the coexistence pattern of mangrove macrobenthos between natural and artificial reforestation

“…This indicated that deterministic processes are more important than stochastic processes in shaping the macrobenthos communities under both artificial and natural restoration. Artificial restoration sites had severe human interference, which made the macrobenthos communities sensitive to environmental changes induced by human activities (Chen et al., 2023 ). Although there is less human disturbance in natural restoration sites, changed tidal and soil elements can impact the species composition and competition pattern of macrobenthic communities (Zhang et al., 2022 ), which determines the macrobenthic community assembly.…”

Genetic basis of local adaptation in the cold-tolerant mangrove Kandelia obovata

“…Sea-level rise significantly influences the historical distribution of mangrove forests, leading to speciation in five common mangrove species via multiple cycles of mixing, isolation, and mixing ( Lovelock et al., 2015 ; He et al., 2022 ). Meanwhile, low temperature stress governs the latitudinal range limits for contemporary mangrove flora ( Lin, 1999 ) and plays a crucial role in mangrove afforestation and restoration ( Ellison, 2000 ; Quisthoudt et al., 2012 ; Su et al., 2021 ; Chen et al., 2023 ). Given the ecological importance of mangroves and the potential impact of climate change on their habitats, further research into their adaptation to low temperatures is vital.…”

Evaluation of biomass and vegetative characteristics of mesquite (Prosopis juliflora) afforestation in arid area of Iran

“…The goals of afforestation, according to the existing conditions in an area, may include: stabilization of sand and deserti cation, wood production, improvement of soil conditions and characteristics, prevention of soil erosion, protection or creation of wildlife habitat, supply of fuel and animal feed and creation of windbreaks in soil conservation (Chen et al, 2023;Gbadebo, 2022;Lucas-Borja et al, 2022). To choose suitable tree and shrub species for establishing forests as plantations in dry areas, it is necessary to know the local site conditions, consider socioeconomic factors and be able to predict future growth and effects on soil resources.…”