EUNIS habitat classification 2017 > M - Marine benthic habitats > MA1 - Littoral rock > MA12 - Atlantic littoral rock > MA127 - Communities of Atlantic littoral caves and overhangs > MA1273 - Audouinella purpurea and Pilinia maritima crusts on upper and mid-shore cave walls and ceilings

Audouinella purpurea and Pilinia maritima crusts on upper and mid-shore cave walls and ceilings

Description (English)

Golden brown velvety growths of the brown algae Pilinia maritima occurring in mats with the red alga Audouinella purpurea forming on cave walls and upper littoral levels of cliffs. Fauna is sparse and limited to occasional individuals of the winkle Littorina saxatilis and spirorbid polychaetes. This assemblage is thought to be is widespread throughout Britain, although there are currently few records available. More information are needed to validate this description, which is based on information from the Thanet intertidal survey (Tittley & Spurrier 2001).
Situation: This biotope is found at the entrances and the inner reaches of caves between a band of unit MA1-274 and the MA1-272 zone above.
Temporal variation: Some variation in the species composition of the individual caves must be expected depending on local conditions.

Source: EUNIS habitat classification

Quick facts

EUNIS habitat type	code MA1273
Relation to	Resolution 4 habitat type (used for designation of Emerald sites)

Legal status

Relation to other habitat types mentioned in legal instruments

Legal text	Annex	Name in legal text	Code in legal text	Habitat type relationship	More information
Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats	Revised Annex I of Resolution 4 (1996) of the Bern Convention on endangered natural habitats types using the EUNIS habitat classification (year of revision 2010)	Reefs	1170	Narrower	https://wcd.coe.int/ViewDoc....ckColorLogged=FDC864 Resolution No. 4 (1996) of the Bern Convention lists endangered natural habitats requiring specific conservation measures [and the designation of Areas of Special Conservation Interest (ASCIs) forming the Emerald network]
Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats	Revised Annex I of Resolution 4 (1996) of the Bern Convention on endangered natural habitats types using the EUNIS habitat classification (year of revision 2010)	Submerged or partially submerged sea caves	8330	Narrower	https://wcd.coe.int/ViewDoc....ckColorLogged=FDC864 Resolution No. 4 (1996) of the Bern Convention lists endangered natural habitats requiring specific conservation measures [and the designation of Areas of Special Conservation Interest (ASCIs) forming the Emerald network]

Vegetation types

Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)

Not available

Species mentioned in habitat description

Invertebrates Littorina saxatilis

Species scientific name	English common name	Species group
Littorina saxatilis		Invertebrates

Other classifications

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012)	A1.443	Audouinella purpurea and Pilinia maritima crusts on upper and mid-shore cave walls and ceilings	same

For relation to plant communities (syntaxa), see Vegetation types

History

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type	Comment
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410	A1.443	Audouinella purpurea and Pilinia maritima crusts on upper and mid-shore cave walls and ceilings	same

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