Coverage, diversity, and functionality of a high-latitude coral community (Tatsukushi, Shikoku Island, Japan).
BACKGROUND
Seawater temperature is the main factor restricting shallow-water zooxanthellate coral reefs to low latitudes. As temperatures increase, coral species and perhaps reefs may move into higher-latitude waters, increasing the chances of coral reef ecosystems surviving despite global warming. However, there is a growing need to understand the structure of these high-latitude coral communities in order to analyze their future dynamics and to detect any potential changes.


RESULTS
The high-latitude (32.75°N) community surveyed was located at Tatsukushi, Shikoku Island, Japan. Coral cover was 60±2% and was composed of 73 scleractinian species partitioned into 7 functional groups. Although only 6% of species belonged to the 'plate-like' functional group, it was the major contributor to species coverage. This was explained by the dominance of plate-like species such as Acropora hyacinthus and A. solitaryensis. Comparison with historical data suggests a relatively recent colonization/development of A. hyacinthus in this region and a potential increase in coral diversity over the last century. Low coverage of macroalgae (2% of the benthic cover) contrasted with the low abundance of herbivorous fishes, but may be reasonably explained by the high density of sea urchins (12.9±3.3 individuals m⁻²).


CONCLUSIONS
The structure and composition of this benthic community are relatively remarkable for a site where winter temperature can durably fall below the accepted limit for coral reef development. Despite limited functionalities and functional redundancy, the current benthic structure might provide a base upon which a reef could eventually develop, as characterized by opportunistic and pioneer frame-building species. In addition to increasing seawater temperatures, on-going management actions and sea urchin density might also explain the observed state of this community. A focus on such 'marginal' communities should be a priority, as they can provide important insights into how tropical corals might cope with environmental changes.
Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Nangang, Taipei, Taiwan.
Vianney
V
Denis
Takuma
T
Mezaki
Kouki
K
Tanaka
Chao-Yang
CY
Kuo
Stéphane
S
De Palmas
Shashank
S
Keshavmurthy
Chaolun Allen
CA
Chen
D000818:Animals; D037421:Anthozoa / Q000254:growth & development*; D017753:Ecosystem; D062312:Islands; D007564:Japan; D011157:Population Dynamics