The Relationship between Species Composition of Halophyte Communities and Topography or Conservation Activities on Narugashima, Located in Awaji Island, Western Japan

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the relationship between species composition of halophyte communities and its hinterland forest and topography indicated by altitude and distance from the shoreline or conservation activities on Narugashima, located in Awaji Island, Western Japan. As a result, two forest communities and five grassland communities were recognized: Pittosporo‐Quercetum phillyraeoidis, Hibiscetum hamabo with four lower units, Suaedetum maritimae, Limonietum tetragoni with two lower units, Phaceluretum latifolii, Caricetum scabrifoliae, and Asteretum tripolium. It became clear that the arrangement of those communities is affected by tens of centimeters vertical interval and distance from the shoreline. It is suggested that marine litter measures such as cleaning activities and periodical mowing are contributing to the maintenance of grassland communities and one of the lower units of Hibiscetum hamabo.