Marine Coastal & Supratidal Habitat
The marine coastal and supratidal zone represents the transition between land and sea, encompassing shoreline cliffs, islands, dunes, and coastal lakes. This habitat is shaped by powerful ocean forces, including waves, tides, and wind, creating unique ecosystems that support a variety of marine, terrestrial, and migratory species.
Many species, such as seabirds, sea turtles, and coastal mammals, rely on these environments for breeding, nesting, and feeding. Additionally, coastal wetlands and lagoons serve as natural buffers against storms and rising sea levels, helping protect inland areas from erosion and flooding.
According to the IUCN Red List, the marine coastal and supratidal habitat includes several key sub-habitats:
- Sea Cliffs & Rocky Offshore Islands – Steep coastal formations that provide nesting grounds for seabirds like puffins, gulls, and albatrosses.
- Coastal Caves & Karst – Limestone cave systems along the coast, home to bats, seals, and unique cave-dwelling organisms.
- Coastal Sand Dunes – Wind-shaped mounds of sand that stabilize shorelines and provide habitat for dune grasses, reptiles, and burrowing animals.
- Coastal Brackish/Saline Lagoons & Marine Lakes – Partially enclosed water bodies with varying salinity levels, supporting estuarine species like crabs, mollusks, and wading birds.
- Coastal Freshwater Lakes – Lakes located near the coast that provide a crucial habitat for amphibians, waterfowl, and migratory birds.
These coastal habitats are highly susceptible to human activity, including tourism, coastal development, pollution, and climate change. Conservation efforts are essential to maintain their biodiversity and ecological functions, ensuring they continue to serve as breeding grounds and protective buffers for marine and terrestrial life.
No animals found for this category.