Biodiversity Mauritius (MUS)
 
  FishBase Complete Literature Reference
Species Families Species Families
Marine 1073 140 No 992 Fricke, R., 1999
Freshwater 51 16 No Daget, J., J.-P. Gosse and D.F.E. Thys van den Audenaerde, 1984
Total 1107 147 No
Ref.   Daget, J., J.-P. Gosse and D.F.E. Thys van den Audenaerde, 1984
Conservation The following information is to be sought: - Status of knowledge of the freshwater fauna; - Existence of conservation plans; - Information on major aquatic habitats or sites within the country; - Current major threats to species; - Future potential threats to species; - Contact(s) for further information.
Geography and Climate Mauritius is a volcanic island composed mainly of basalt rock. It is situated in the southwest of the Indian Ocean between 57°18' and 57°48' East and between 19°50' and 20°31' South. It is almost entirely surrounded by a barrier coral reef which encloses a lagoon of 243 km2. The inland topography is dominated by three mountain ranges situated in the northwest, southeast and southwest regions and a central plateau which rises to 600 m above sea level. The climate of Mauritius is determined by its oceanic position and location at 20°S in the belt of the southeast Trade Winds. These winds are stronger in the winter and weaker in summer. About 70% of the rainfall occurs between December and May.

Ref.  Vanden Bossche, J.-P. and G.M. Bernacsek, 1990
Hydrography Lakes: there are two small lakes: Grand Basin and Bassin Blanc. Because of their small area their contribution to fisheries is negligible. Rivers: most of the rivers (i.e., Tamarin, Black, Poste, Grand) have their source in the central plateau. The rivers and their tributaries are swift-flowing, of steep gradient interspersed by falls and cascades, although there are also extensive reaches of quiet, slow-moving water in some rivers. The rivers have a total length of 449 km and cover an area of about 331 hectares. Reservoirs: there are 10 reservoirs on the island covering an area of about 15 km2. Another fairly large reservoir is under construction for the Champagne Hydroelectric project. Coastal lagoons: there are 25 artificial lagoons (barachois) along the coastline with a combined area of 2.88 km2.

Ref.  Vanden Bossche, J.-P. and G.M. Bernacsek, 1990
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