Floristic diversity and vegetation structure of Boubyan Island, a RAMSAR site in Kuwait

The wetlands of Boubyan Island in Kuwait, serve as a harbor for migratory birds and are designated as RAMSAR Sites. Limited information exists about the island’s vegetation. This study assesses vegetation in relation to the environment for biodiversity conservation. In 53 sites across the island, plant species were quantified. To identify different vegetation communities hierarchical cluster analysis was conducted using TWINSPAN statistical software. The Important Value Index (IVI) was estimated for each species. The study identified 33 plant taxa and 31 genera belonging to 14 families, with the dominant three families being Amaranthaceae, Asteraceae, and Poaceae. Annual forbs and grass constitute 73% of recorded species. IVI analysis represented three dominant species and cluster analysis resulted in five plant communities. The findings indicated that the community Parapholis incurva—Senecio glaucus (VGV) had the highest diversity indices, which necessitate consideration in conservation efforts.