Occurrence and Abundance Ratios of Alien versus Native Species in the Fish Assemblages of the Southern Iraqi Marshlands

Najah Abood Hussain; Israa Aziz Mohammed

Authors

Najah Abood Hussain Department of Ecology, Science College, University of Basrah
Israa Aziz Mohammed Department of Ecology, Science College, University of Basrah

Keywords:

Iraqi marshlands, Mesopotamia marshes, Marshes alien species, Wetlands exotic fish, Marshland native fish.

Abstract

The degree of disturbance at fish assemblages in southern Iraqi marshes was quantified on the basis of number of native species occurrence ratio (NOR) and native abundance ratio (NAR) to the total number of species and individuals during the period from 2006 to 2024. Degree of disturbance status scores at Al-Hawaizah, Auda, Chybaish, Zachery, Dalmaj, West Hammar and Suq Al-Shuyukh marshes ranged between 50 -77% ,which equal to moderate and fine in disturbance status scale. Al-Shafi and East Hammar marshes express lower native occurrence ratio ranged 24-42% equal to disturbed to very disturbed status. Alien species number were varied between 3 to 11. Highest native species occurrence ratio (NOR) conceded with low salinity values at Al-Hawaizah, Chybaish, Auda, and West Hammer. The opposite case was in Al-Shafi and East Hammar marshes were alien species dominated. Invasive disturbed index (IDI) values s express negative relationship with number of native species and positive with alien species ratio at the southern marshes. IDI score at Al-Hawaizah , Auda, Zachery, Suq Al-Shuyukh and west Hammar marshes were low, ranged from 0.3 to 1.0. On contrary East Hammer marsh and Al Shafi scored the highest IDI values ranged from 1.37 to 3.6. Alien species had established successfully in southern marshes over relatively a short period. Native fluvial species lost its dominance to alien species especially in Al-Shafi and East Hammer marshes. Gradual decrease in occurrence and abundance of native species was noticed in southern marshes due to increase salinity. Alien species seem to be infested all Iraqi southern marshes. The most sever disturbance ratio was recorded at East Hammar marsh.

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