Meiobenthic assemblages as ecological indicator of natural variability induced by ecosystem engineers

Indonesia is biologically one of the most diverse areas in world. Nevertheless, its biodiversity underestimated, and this particularly evident for meiobenthic assemblages. Seagrass meadows are known to be ecosystem engineers that can significantly modify habitat heterogeneity and, thereby, increase diversity. Therefore, a study on distribution was conducted two seagrass around Siladen Island (Bunaken Marine National Park): Barat Lagoon, characterized by different sedimentary regimes, as well anthropogenic impact. An overall high level diversity indices richness were recorded (H′: 1.19–1.69; J: 0.46–0.67; number taxa: 9–14), with abundances ranging between 770 2529 ind. 10 cm −2. The lowest abundance (i.e. Shannon-diversity, taxa) reported at meadow, probably response sedimentological modifications higher pressure site. Differences assemblage structures when only rare taxa considered (i.e found low sporadic area). This result underlines role species possible indicators spatial variability generated engineer environmental conditions.