Reef-building coral diversity and distribution characteristics in the National Nature Reserve for Marine Ecology of Guangdong Nanpeng Islands

doi:10.17520/biods.2024424

Abstract

Abstract:

Aims:Reef-building corals are the framework organisms of coral-reef ecosystems, and their community structure plays a major role in biodiversity. The Tropic of Cancer is the northernmost distribution line of reef-building corals along the coast of China. However, there are relatively few studies on reef-building corals in high-latitude regions, and information on species diversity and community distribution characteristics in these areas remains unclear.

Methods:The National Nature Reserve for Marine Ecology of Guangdong Nanpeng Islands (hereinafter referred to as Nanpeng Islands Reserve) is one of the northernmost reserves in China with records of the distribution of reef-building corals. The diversity and distribution patterns of reef-building coral species in the protected area were investigated through diving surveys in June 2023 and June 2024.

Results:Our results show 34 species of reef-building corals are distributed in the Nanpeng Islands Reserve, belonging to 19 genera and 9 families. Most of these are massive and encrusting with Psammocora nierstraszi and P. profundacellaoccupying dominance. Reef-building corals exhibit typical high-latitude patchy community distribution characteristics, with non-reef-forming and low coverage within the protected area. Dingpeng Island has the highest average coverage of reef-building coral, followed by Nanpeng Island and Zhongpeng Island, with Qinpeng Island having the lowest coverage.

Conclusions:We investigate the species diversity and distribution characteristics of reef-building corals in the Nanpeng Islands Reserve. Our findings contribute to the scientific understanding of the current status of reef-building coral communities in the Nanpeng Islands Reserve. Additionally, we provide much needed data for the protection and research of coral communities in the northern margin of the South China Sea.

Key words: reef-building corals, the National Nature Reserve for Marine Ecology of Guangdong Nanpeng Islands, species diversity, community characteristics

Zhang Jingjing, Huang Wenbin, Chen Yiting, Yang Zepeng, Ke Weiye, Peng Zhaojie, Wei Shichao, Zhang Zhiwei, Hu Yisi, Yu Wenhua, Zhou Wenliang. Reef-building coral diversity and distribution characteristics in the National Nature Reserve for Marine Ecology of Guangdong Nanpeng Islands[J]. Biodiv Sci, 2025, 33(4): 24424.

Add to citation manager EndNote|Ris|BibTeX

URL: https://www.biodiversity-science.net/EN/10.17520/biods.2024424

https://www.biodiversity-science.net/EN/Y2025/V33/I4/24424

Figures/Tables 4

References 38

[1]	Chen NG, Cai LS, Mai HL (2005) Field Guide to Hard Corals of Hong Kong. Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Hong Kong. (in Chinese)
	[陈乃观, 蔡莉斯, 麦海莉 (2005) 香港石珊瑚图鉴. 渔农自然护理署, 香港.]
[2]	Denis V, Mezaki T, Tanaka K, Kuo CY, De Palmas S, Keshavmurthy S, Chen CA (2013) Coverage, diversity, and functionality of a high-latitude coral community (Tatsukushi, Shikoku Island, Japan). PLoS ONE, 8, e54330.
[3]	Eddy TD, Lam VWY, Reygondeau G, Cisneros-Montemayor AM, Greer K, Palomares MLD, Bruno JF, Ota Y, Cheung WWL (2021) Global decline in capacity of coral reefs to provide ecosystem services. One Earth, 4, 1278-1285.
[4]	Goetze JS, Bond T, McLean DL, Saunders BJ, Langlois TJ, Lindfield S, Fullwood LAF, Driessen D, Shedrawi G, Harvey ES (2019) A field and video analysis guide for diver operated stereo-video. Methods in Ecology and Evolution, 10, 1083-1090.
[5]	Graham EM, Baird AH, Connolly SR (2008) Survival dynamics of scleractinian coral larvae and implications for dispersal. Coral Reefs, 27, 529-539.
[6]	Guinotte JM, Buddemeier RW, Kleypas JA (2003) Future coral reef habitat marginality: Temporal and spatial effects of climate change in the Pacific basin. Coral Reefs, 22, 551-558.
[7]	Guo F, Xiao JG, Tian P, Wang W, Wang XL, Huang DY, Wang JJ, Niu WT (2022) Status of scleractinian corals in Daya Bay and along the coast of Dapeng Peninsula and ecological vulnerability assessment. Journal of Applied Oceanography, 41, 568-582. (in Chinese with English abstract)
	[郭峰, 肖家光, 田鹏, 王伟, 王晓磊, 黄丁勇, 王建佳, 牛文涛 (2022) 大亚湾及大鹏半岛沿岸造礁石珊瑚现状与生态脆弱性评价. 应用海洋学学报, 41, 568-582.]
[8]	Hu WJ, Zhang D, Liao BL, Li YC, Liu XM, Ma ZY, Du JG, Yu WW, Chen B, Zheng XQ (2021) Potential suitable habitat and conservation gaps of Scleractinia corals along China’s mainland coast. China Environmental Science, 41, 401-411. (in Chinese with English abstract)
	[胡文佳, 张典, 廖宝林, 李元超, 刘昕明, 马志远, 杜建国, 俞炜炜, 陈彬, 郑新庆 (2021) 中国大陆沿岸造礁石珊瑚适生区及保护空缺分析. 中国环境科学, 41, 401-411.]
[9]	Huang H (2018) Coral Reef Atlas of Xisha Islands. Science Press, Beijing. (in Chinese)
	[黄晖 (2018) 西沙群岛珊瑚礁生物图册. 科学出版社, 北京.]
[10]	Huang H, Jiang L, Yuan T, Liu S (2021) Reef-building Corals of Nansha Islands. Science Press, Beijing. (in Chinese)
	[黄晖, 江雷, 袁涛, 刘胜 (2021) 南沙群岛造礁石珊瑚. 科学出版社, 北京.]
[11]	Huang H, You F, Lian JS, Zhang CL, Yang JH, Li XB, Yuan T, Dong ZJ (2012) Composition and distribution of scleractinian coral in the northwest of Hainan Island. Marine Sciences, 36(9), 64-74. (in Chinese with English abstract)
	[黄晖, 尤丰, 练健生, 张成龙, 杨剑辉, 李秀保, 袁涛, 董志军 (2012) 海南岛西北部海域珊瑚礁造礁石珊瑚种类组成与分布. 海洋科学, 36(9), 64-74.]
[12]	Huang H, Yu XL, Huang LT, Jiang L (2024) Current status and prospects of coral reef ecology research. Journal of Tropical Oceanography, 43(3), 3-12. (in Chinese with English abstract)
	[黄晖, 俞晓磊, 黄林韬, 江雷 (2024) 珊瑚礁生态学研究现状和展望. 热带海洋学报, 43(3), 3-12.]
[13]	Huang LT, Huang H, Jiang L (2020) A revised taxonomy for Chinese hermatypic corals. Biodiversity Science, 28, 515-523. (in Chinese with English abstract)
	[黄林韬, 黄晖, 江雷 (2020) 中国造礁石珊瑚分类厘定. 生物多样性, 28, 515-523.]
[14]	Huang LT, Jiang L, Zhang YY, Yuan T, Sun YF, Liu CY, Lei XM, Yuan XC, Lian JS, Liu S, Huang H (2024) Distribution patterns of reef-building corals in the Northwest Pacific and their environmental drivers. Science of the Total Environment, 946, 174429.
[15]	Huang S, Deng W, Chen CH, Lü YH, Shi RG (2024) Status of scleractinian corals in the Pearl River estuary and their ecological service value assessment. Wetland Science, 22, 169-180. (in Chinese with English abstract)
	[黄盛, 邓伟, 陈程浩, 吕意华, 石荣贵 (2024) 珠江口造礁石珊瑚现状及其生态服务价值评估. 湿地科学, 22, 169-180.]
[16]	Jia CB, Wang JM, Tang ZZ (2020) Distribution of coral communities in eastern sea area of Shenzhen. Journal of Fisheries Research, 42, 590-597. (in Chinese with English abstract)
	[贾春斌, 王佳美, 唐振朝 (2020) 深圳东部海域珊瑚群落分布特征. 渔业研究, 42, 590-597.]
[17]	Jiang F, Chen MR, Yang SY (2011) Investigating the status quo of hermatypic corals resources and its protection in Dongshan Water Areas, Fujian Province. Resources Science, 33, 364-371. (in Chinese with English abstract)
	[姜峰, 陈明茹, 杨圣云 (2011) 福建东山造礁石珊瑚资源现状及其保护. 资源科学, 33, 364-371.]
[18]	Keshavmurthy S, Mezaki T, Reimer JD, Choi KS, Chen CA (2023) Succession and emergence of corals in high-latitude (temperate) areas of Eastern Asia into the future. In: Coral Reefs of Eastern Asia under Anthropogenic Impacts (eds Takeuchi I, Yamashiro H), pp. 53-71. Springer, Cham.
[19]	Kuo CY, Keshavmurthy S, Huang YY, Ho MJ, Hsieh JH, Hsiao AT, Lo WC, Hsin YC, Chen AC (2023) Transitional coral ecosystem of Taiwan in the era of changing climate. In: Coral Reefs of Eastern Asia under Anthropogenic Impacts (eds Takeuchi I, Yamashiro H), pp. 7-35. Springer, Cham.
[20]	Li F, Shen C, Zhang YP, Zhou J, Peng HP, Liu L (2019) Analysis of coral species and coverage in Xuwen Coral Reef National Nature Reserve of Guangdong Province. Jiangsu Agricultural Sciences, 47(24), 304-308. (in Chinese)
	[李锋, 沈城, 张艳苹, 周洁, 彭慧湃, 刘丽 (2019) 广东徐闻珊瑚礁国家级自然保护区珊瑚种类及覆盖率分析. 江苏农业科学, 47(24), 304-308.]
[21]	Li TC, Feng JL, Zhao L, Wang DR, Fan RF (2024) Geographical distribution of coral reefs and their responses to environmental factors in the South China Sea. Ecological Indicators, 158, 111485.
[22]	Li XB, Lian JS, Huang H, Yang JH, Zhang CL, Zhou GW, You F (2010) Diversity and spatial distribution of scleractinia corals in Dongshan, Fujian. Journal of Oceanography in Taiwan Strait, 29, 5-11. (in Chinese with English abstract)
	[李秀保, 练健生, 黄晖, 杨剑辉, 张成龙, 周国伟, 尤丰 (2010) 福建东山海域石珊瑚种类多样性及其空间分布. 台湾海峡, 29, 5-11.]
[23]	Liang W, Zhou HL, Wang X, Huang RY, Yu KF (2021) Studies on scleractinian coral community structure characteristics in the southwest seawaters of the Weizhou Island. Haiyang Xuebao, 43(11), 123-135. (in Chinese with English abstract)
	[梁文, 周浩郎, 王欣, 黄荣永, 余克服 (2021) 涠洲岛西南部海域造礁石珊瑚的群落结构特征分析. 海洋学报, 43(11), 123-135.]
[24]	Liu MM, Shen JW, Wang Y, Yang HQ (2011) Reef-building coral community and evolutionary characteristics of the fringing reefs on the west coast of Xuwen County, Leizhou Peninsula. Marine Geology & Quaternary Geology, 31(6), 37-45. (in Chinese with English abstract)
	[刘苗苗, 沈建伟, 王月, 杨红强 (2011) 雷州半岛徐闻西岸珊瑚岸礁造礁珊瑚群落结构及其演变. 海洋地质与第四纪地质, 31(6), 37-45.]
[25]	Lü YH, Li WW, Chen CH (2023) Scleractinia of the Coastal China. China Ocean Press, Beijing. (in Chinese)
	[吕意华, 李伟巍, 陈程浩 (2023) 中国近岸造礁石珊瑚图谱. 海洋出版社, 北京.]
[26]	Pielou EC (1966) The measurement of diversity in different types of biological collections. Journal of Theoretical Biology, 13, 131-144.
[27]	Schoepf V, Baumann JH, Barshis DJ, Browne NK, Camp EF, Comeau S, Cornwall CE, Guzman HM, Riegl B, Rodolfo-Metalpa R, Sommer B (2023) Corals at the edge of environmental limits: A new conceptual framework to re-define marginal and extreme coral communities. Science of the Total Environment, 884, 163688.
[28]	Shannon EC, Weaver W (1949) The Mathematical Theory of Communication. Urbana University of Illinois Press, Illinois.
[29]	Tkachenko KS, Soong K (2017) Dongsha Atoll: A potential thermal refuge for reef-building corals in the South China Sea. Marine Environmental Research, 127, 112-125.
[30]	Veron JEN, Stafford-Smith MG, Turak E, DeVantier LM (2024) Corals of the World, version 0.01 (Beta). http://coralsoftheworld.org/v0.01(Beta). (accessed on 2024-11-02)
[31]	Wang GH, Lu K, Liu JF, Li J, Chen B, Liao ZH, Yu KF (2023) Changes of scleractinian coral communities in the Daya Bay in the last 40 years. Haiyang Xuebao, 45(11), 112-130. (in Chinese with English abstract)
	[王广华, 卢锟, 刘建峰, 李劲, 陈飚, 廖芝衡, 余克服 (2023) 近40年来大亚湾造礁石珊瑚群落结构的演变分析. 海洋学报, 45(11), 112-130.]
[32]	Wu QE, Li CH, Sun DR (2010) Evaluation of functional zoning of National Nature Reserve of Guangdong Nanpeng Islands. Science and Technology Innovation Herald, 24, 230-231. (in Chinese)
	[吴洽儿, 李纯厚, 孙典荣 (2010) 南澎列岛海洋生态自然保护区功能区划的评价. 科技创新导报, 24, 230-231.]
[33]	Xiao BH, Liao BL, Xie ZQ, Xie YQ, Wei NN, Lan JN, Zhao Y (2020) Distribution and species diversity of scleractinian coral in Miaowan Island, Zhuhai. Journal of Guangdong Ocean University, 40(5), 43-52. (in Chinese with English abstract)
	[肖宝华, 廖宝林, 谢子强, 谢勇琪, 魏娜娜, 蓝军南, 赵宇 (2020) 珠海庙湾岛海域造礁石珊瑚的分布及种类多样性. 广东海洋大学学报, 40(5), 43-52.]
[34]	Yamano H, Sugihara K, Nomura K (2011) Rapid poleward range expansion of tropical reef corals in response to rising sea surface temperatures. Geophysical Research Letters, 38, L04601.
[35]	Yang XZ, Miu ZY, Xie ZQ, Yang XD, Xiao BH, Liao BL, Cui ZP, Yang B, Chen BG (2023) Distribution characteristics and ecosystem health evaluation of scleractinia corals in the eastern sea of Shenzhen. Journal of Applied Oceanography, 42, 566-580. (in Chinese with English abstract)
	[杨小舟, 缪智渊, 谢子强, 杨小东, 肖宝华, 廖宝林, 崔洲平, 杨波, 陈伯贵 (2023) 深圳东部海域造礁石珊瑚资源分布及其群落健康评价. 应用海洋学学报, 42, 566-580.]
[36]	Zhang ZW, Zhou WL, Zhang JJ, Hu YS, Wei FW (2024) Research advances in the evolutionary and developmental biology of reef-building corals. Scientia Sinica (Vitae), 54, 805-818. (in Chinese with English abstract)
	[张志伟, 周文良, 张晶晶, 胡怡思, 魏辅文 (2024) 造礁石珊瑚演化发育生物学研究进展. 中国科学: 生命科学, 54, 805-818.]
[37]	Zhao ZM, Li JX, Huang HF, Liu YH, Li DW (2024) Coral ecological diversity survey of Wanshan Islands in the Pearl River Estuary. Environmental Ecology, 6(4), 143-150. (in Chinese with English abstract)
	[赵孜苗, 李金雄, 黄慧峰, 刘昱昊, 李大伟 (2024) 珠江口万山群岛珊瑚生态多样性调查. 环境生态学, 6(4), 143-150.]
[38]	Zou RL (2001) Fauna Sinica·Coelenterata·Anthozoa·Scleractinia· a)Hermatypic Coral. Science Press, Beijing. (in Chinese)
	[邹仁林 (2001) 中国动物志∙腔肠动物门∙珊瑚虫纲∙石珊瑚目∙造礁石珊瑚. 科学出版社, 北京.]

样带名称 Transect name	分布水深 Distribution depth (m)	造礁石珊瑚物种数 No. of reef-building coral species	造礁石珊瑚平均覆盖率 Average coverage of reef-building coral (%)	造礁石珊瑚优势种 Dominant species of reef-building coral	硬珊瑚幼体补充量 Hard coral recruitment (ind./m²)	优势种生长类型 Dominant species growth type
ZP1-1	7.8	10	3.2	深室沙珊瑚、不等脊塍沙珊瑚、坚实滨珊瑚、多孔同星珊瑚、弯柔蔷薇珊瑚、单独鹿角珊瑚 Psammocora profundacella, P. nierstraszi, Porites solida, Plesiastrea versipora, Montipora mollis, Acropora solitaryensis	0	表覆状、亚团块状、桌状或板状、团块状 Encrusting, submassive, tables or plates, massive
ZP1-2	8.1	10	2.6		0
ZP2-1	6.1	15	13.4		1.2
ZP2-2	6.3	10	8.4		1.2
ZP3-1	4.2	7	1.8		0
ZP3-2	6.0	10	4.0		0
QP1-1	8.3	6	1.2	不等脊塍沙珊瑚、弯柔蔷薇珊瑚、膨胀蔷薇珊瑚、单独鹿角珊瑚、多孔同星珊瑚、深室沙珊瑚 Psammocora nierstraszi, Montipora mollis, M. turgescens, Acropora solitaryensis, Plesiastrea versipora, Psammocora profundacella	0	表覆状、团块状、亚团块状、桌状或板状Encrusting, massive, submassive, tables or plates
QP1-2	10.2	3	1.1		0
QP2-1	3.8	4	1.2		0
QP2-2	5.3	3	1.1		0
QP3-1	5.1	9	6.0		0
QP3-2	5.3	5	2.4		0
NP2-1	8.6	16	24.6	膨胀蔷薇珊瑚、不等脊塍沙珊瑚、深室沙珊瑚、斯氏伯孔珊瑚、弯柔蔷薇珊瑚、盾形杜沙珊瑚、多孔同星珊瑚、坚实滨珊瑚、黑星珊瑚 Montipora turgescens, Psammocora nierstraszi, P. profundacella, Bernardpora stutchburyi, Montipora mollis, Duncanopsammia peltata, Plesiastrea versipora, Porites solida, Oulastrea crispata	0.34	表覆状、团块状、亚团块状、桌状或板状Encrusting, massive, submassive, tables or plates
NP2-2	10.0	15	6.6		0.34
NP3-1	9.5	13	4.2		0
NP3-2	10.1	9	1.6		0
NP4-1	9.2	7	2.4		0
NP4-2	9.2	8	1.8		0
DP1-1	2.9	19	19.0	不等脊塍沙珊瑚、深室沙珊瑚、单独鹿角珊瑚、多孔同星珊瑚、斯氏伯孔珊瑚 Psammocora nierstraszi, P. profundacella, Acropora solitaryensis, Plesiastrea versipora, Bernardpora stutchburyi	0	表覆状、团块状、亚团块状、桌状或板状Encrusting, massive, submassive, tables or plates
DP1-2	3.3	11	10.0		0
DP2-1	5.8	2	2.4		0
DP2-2	7.2	3	2.6		0
DP4-1	6.1	7	8.9		0
DP4-2	6.8	8	9.3		0

样带名称 Transect name	分布水深 Distribution depth (m)	造礁石珊瑚物种数 No. of reef-building coral species	造礁石珊瑚平均覆盖率 Average coverage of reef-building coral (%)	造礁石珊瑚优势种 Dominant species of reef-building coral	硬珊瑚幼体补充量 Hard coral recruitment (ind./m²)	优势种生长类型 Dominant species growth type
ZP1-1	7.8	10	3.2	深室沙珊瑚、不等脊塍沙珊瑚、坚实滨珊瑚、多孔同星珊瑚、弯柔蔷薇珊瑚、单独鹿角珊瑚 Psammocora profundacella, P. nierstraszi, Porites solida, Plesiastrea versipora, Montipora mollis, Acropora solitaryensis	0	表覆状、亚团块状、桌状或板状、团块状 Encrusting, submassive, tables or plates, massive
ZP1-2	8.1	10	2.6		0
ZP2-1	6.1	15	13.4		1.2
ZP2-2	6.3	10	8.4		1.2
ZP3-1	4.2	7	1.8		0
ZP3-2	6.0	10	4.0		0
QP1-1	8.3	6	1.2	不等脊塍沙珊瑚、弯柔蔷薇珊瑚、膨胀蔷薇珊瑚、单独鹿角珊瑚、多孔同星珊瑚、深室沙珊瑚 Psammocora nierstraszi, Montipora mollis, M. turgescens, Acropora solitaryensis, Plesiastrea versipora, Psammocora profundacella	0	表覆状、团块状、亚团块状、桌状或板状Encrusting, massive, submassive, tables or plates
QP1-2	10.2	3	1.1		0
QP2-1	3.8	4	1.2		0
QP2-2	5.3	3	1.1		0
QP3-1	5.1	9	6.0		0
QP3-2	5.3	5	2.4		0
NP2-1	8.6	16	24.6	膨胀蔷薇珊瑚、不等脊塍沙珊瑚、深室沙珊瑚、斯氏伯孔珊瑚、弯柔蔷薇珊瑚、盾形杜沙珊瑚、多孔同星珊瑚、坚实滨珊瑚、黑星珊瑚 Montipora turgescens, Psammocora nierstraszi, P. profundacella, Bernardpora stutchburyi, Montipora mollis, Duncanopsammia peltata, Plesiastrea versipora, Porites solida, Oulastrea crispata	0.34	表覆状、团块状、亚团块状、桌状或板状Encrusting, massive, submassive, tables or plates
NP2-2	10.0	15	6.6		0.34
NP3-1	9.5	13	4.2		0
NP3-2	10.1	9	1.6		0
NP4-1	9.2	7	2.4		0
NP4-2	9.2	8	1.8		0
DP1-1	2.9	19	19.0	不等脊塍沙珊瑚、深室沙珊瑚、单独鹿角珊瑚、多孔同星珊瑚、斯氏伯孔珊瑚 Psammocora nierstraszi, P. profundacella, Acropora solitaryensis, Plesiastrea versipora, Bernardpora stutchburyi	0	表覆状、团块状、亚团块状、桌状或板状Encrusting, massive, submassive, tables or plates
DP1-2	3.3	11	10.0		0
DP2-1	5.8	2	2.4		0
DP2-2	7.2	3	2.6		0
DP4-1	6.1	7	8.9		0
DP4-2	6.8	8	9.3		0