Functional analysis of benthic macrofauna in mangroves of the tropical Eastern Pacific (Colombian Pacific coast)

Mangroves are essential ecosystems that support marine biodiversity and sustain fisheries; however, they are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic pressures. This study demonstrates that human impacts significantly reduce the functional redundancy of benthic macrofauna in mangroves, thereby increasing their vulnerability to disturbances such as climate change and physical alterations. A total of 102 morphospecies were identified across six localities in the Eastern Tropical Pacific along the Colombian Pacific coast, which were classified into 62 functional entities (FE). Functional richness (FRi), functional redundancy (FRe), and functional vulnerability (FVu) indices were calculated for each locality to assess the functional integrity of these ecosystems. These indices provide critical insights into the potential loss of functional diversity due to species loss and serve as valuable tools to evaluate the effects of anthropogenic disturbances on ecosystem functionality. The results revealed that all localities exhibited an average FRe <2, indicating that most FE were composed of a single species. This lack of redundancy implies a heightened vulnerability of mangrove ecosystems to shifts in functional dynamics in response to natural disturbances such as changes in precipitation, climate variability, and physical alterations. These findings emphasize the importance of functional diversity as a key determinant of ecosystem stability and highlight the urgent need for conservation and restoration strategies that prioritize the maintenance of functional integrity. This approach is critical for ensuring the long-term sustainability of mangrove ecosystems in the face of ongoing environmental change. • All locations showed a functional redundancy <2, meaning most FEs contain one species. • Estimating benthic functional diversity is key to predicting mangrove responses. • Anthropogenic events amplify benthic vulnerability to natural environmental changes. • Meiobenthos plays a key role in the functional dynamics of benthic communities. • Understanding benthic functional dynamics is crucial for resilience and restoration plans.