Evaluation of gamma diversity of reef corals (Scleractinia) in the Mexican Pacific

Abstract

In order to assess gamma diversity of hermatypic corals, maximum likelihood methods (Chao, Jacknife) and resampling (bootstrap) were used over a database with 3 423 records of corals from 15 regions of the Mexican Pacific. Analysis were conducted for the species richness (34 species) and for the 5 families reported. Results suggest that species richness might be underestimated up to 25% as well as for the families Pocilloporidae, Poritidae, and Agariciidae. On the other hand, richness observed for Siderastreidae and Fungiidae is not significantly different from expected. According to rare species distribution and historical records in the Mexican Pacific, it is expected that new records will come either from the Revillagigedo, southern region of the Baja California Peninsula or adjacent mainland (Sonora) and Oaxaca coast. This kind of analysis is fundamental in order to optimize sampling efforts and to establish marine protected areas that protect known and potential species richness.