Author(s): Aytaj Muradova¹ | ORCID: 0009-0003-3528-9043
Shakhar Mukhtarova¹ | ORCID: 0000-0002-7627-1443
Yashar Feyziyev² | ORCID: 0000-0002-7011-6354
Published: Dec 25 2024
Keywords:
Keywords: ecology group, macrophyte, new species, rare species, taxonomic analysis
Abstract. Macrophyte algae and microalgae of the southern shores of the Caspian Sea (Republic of
Azerbaijan, Lankaran district, and Gizilaghaj National Park) were studied from March to December
2022. A total of 29 algae species were identified, 11 of which were located in Gizilaghaj National
Park. These species belong to Chlorophyta (9), Bacillariophyta (7), Cyanobacteria (6), Charophyta
(4), and Rhodophyta (3). Oscillatoriaceae, Spirogyraceae, Cladophoraceae, and Naviculaceae were
the leading families. Lyngbya and Spirogyra dominated the upper littoral zone, while Cladophora
dominated the sublittoral zone. Twenty-seven species were recorded as new to this region, with
Cladophora albida, C. ruchingeri, Ulva torta, Colaconema elegans, Corallina officinalis, and Jania
virgata being recognized as both new and rare species. Seasonal biodiversity peaked in July.
Ecological analysis highlighted pollution tolerance levels based on the Saprobic system. These
findings emphasize the ecological importance of the region and the need for further studies to
conserve its biodiversity.