Biodiversity & Conservation

Rhodothamniella floridula in upper littoral fringe soft rock caves

LR.FLR.CvOv.AudCla

LR.RhoCv

Image Kathryn Birch - Rhodothamniella floridula in upper littoral fringe soft rock caves.
Image copyright information

Distribution map

LR.FLR.CvOv.AudCla recorded (dark blue bullet) and expected (light blue bullet) distribution in Britain and Ireland (see below)

  • EC_Habitats
  • UK_BAP
  • OSPAR

For a list of 2004 characterising species please see the JNCC website.

Species indicative of sensitivity

To assess the sensitivity of the biotope, the sensitivity of component species is reviewed. Those species that are considered to be particularly indicative of the sensitivity of the biotope, and for which research has been undertaken in detail are shown below (see selection criteria). The biology of other component species of the biotope is also taken into account wherever information is known to the researcher.

Community Importance Species name Common Name
Important characterizing Rhodothamniella floridula A red seaweed

Explanation

Rhodothamniella floridula is the main characterizing species of the biotope. If this species was absent the biotope would not be recognised. Although other algal species are present within the biotope, they are not considered to be structurally or functionally important. However, their sensitivity will also be taken into account.

Additional information

Species richness in chalk habitats is considered to be low (Anon, 1999e). Approximately 10 species have been recorded in this biotope by Connor et al. (1997b) and 29 species by JNCC (1999).

This review can be cited as follows:

Riley, K. 2007. Rhodothamniella floridula in upper littoral fringe soft rock caves. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Sub-programme [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. [cited 19/06/2013]. Available from: <http://www.marlin.ac.uk/habitatreproduction.php?habitatid=39&code=2004>