Species composition of seagrasses at Hadd Chao Mai National Park, Tarng Province, Thailand

Abstract

          The species composition of seagrasses at HaadChaoMaiNational Park, TrangProvince, was conducted in March and December 1998 and March 1999. Nine species belonging to six genera of two families were found. Of these, eight species were from Khao Bae Na and the same number from Laem Yong Lam while there were only six species from Ko Muk. The dominant species during the month of March were Halophila ovalis, Halophila decipiens and Enhalus acoroides. All the three dominant species were in flowering and fruiting condition. The occurrence and abundance of other species in the order listed were Cymodocea rotundata, Thalassia hemprichii, Halodule uninervis, Cymodocea serrulata, Syringodium isoetifolium and Halodule pinifolia respectively. All these species were sterile with no evidence of flowers and fruits. Halophila decipiens was the only species disappeared in December. Most of the seagrasses disappeared from Kao Bae Na especially  Halophila  ovalis which had been the dominant species of this area.