Diversity and habitat characteristics of gastropods and bivalves associated with mangroves on the east coast of Aceh Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract. Mawardi AL, Khalil M, Sarjani TM, Armanda F. 2023. Diversity and habitat characteristics of gastropods and bivalves associated with mangroves on the east coast of Aceh Province, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 5146-5154. Mangrove areas are vital for various gastropod and bivalve species as breeding, nursery, and stable nutrient supply grounds. This study aims to understand the habitat characteristics and diversity index of gastropods and bivalves and identify the associated species with mangrove vegetation along the east coast of Aceh Province, Indonesia. This research utilized a survey method with gastropod and bivalve sampling conducted using purposive sampling. Sampling was carried out at 6 research locations with varying environmental conditions. Gastropods and bivalves were collected from each research location using 1 m x 1 m plots. All collected gastropod and bivalve samples were preserved in a 4% formalin solution and later identified at the Biology Laboratory of Samudra University. A total of 5,293 individuals of gastropods and bivalves were found in the research locations, comprising 48 species and 21 families. The diversity index of gastropods and bivalves across all research locations showed a moderate criterion, indicating slight pollution on the east coast of Aceh Province. The highest diversity was observed at location 5, far from settlements and active fishing vessel activities. On the other hand, the lowest diversity was found at location 2, an area with active fishing vessel transportation to and from the fish auction site (TPI).

The relationship between crustacean diversity and population dynamics of Blood Cockle Tegillarca granosa in the coastal area of West Langsa, Aceh Province, Indonesia

“…The coastal region, characterized by dominant mangrove vegetation, provides a favorable environment for gastropods and bivalves, serving as protection against predators (Wanjiru et al 2023). The more stable water circulation and higher salinity in the area make it a suitable habitat for various crustacean and bivalve species (Pourmozaffar et al 2020;Mawardi et al 2023). The flow of seawater towards the mangrove during high tide and vice versa, the flow of water from the land to the sea passing through the mangrove area during low tide, carries various food sources dragged in the water, providing abundant food in various forms (Gondal et al 2021).…”

“…Tegillarca granosa, one of the Bivalvia species, has become the favorite of the coastal community in West Langsa as a livelihood source for commercial purposes due to high market demand and relatively high prices compared to species like C. cucullata and M. violacea (Mawardi et al 2023). The population dynamics of blood cockles have a varied composition in their habitat when examined based on monthly sample collection data.…”

“…Salinity ranging from 26 to 32‰ is found to be a suitable habitat for clams, crabs, and shrimps. Areas near human settlements have a negative impact on the composition of Tegillarca granosa populations and crustacean diversity (Mawardi et al 2023). The high activity of communities can lead to a decline in environmental conditions due to the routine entry of domestic waste into the surroundings, resulting in environmental pollution.…”

“…The populations of crustaceans and Tegillarca granosa found in their natural habitat in coastal areas depend on highly specific environmental conditions, including sediments dominated by a composition of sand and clay and a relatively higher salinity in their suitable habitat (Mawardi et al 2023). To ensure that various coastal biota, which play a significant role as suppliers of nutritional content for communities worldwide, remain stable in nature, collective efforts are needed to sustainably preserve the environment so that these animals can live and reproduce optimally in their habitats (Pahri et al 2023).…”

“…Abundant mangroves play an important role as a nutrient source for the surrounding area, preventing erosion, and filtering sediment during the fall period (Mitra 2020). The mangrove ecosystem is an ideal habitat for spawning and feeding communities such as Crustacea, Gastropoda and Bivalvia (Azmi et al 2022;Isroni et al 2023;Mawardi et al 2023). Bivalves and crustaceans share similar habitats with similar characteristics in coastal areas covered by mangrove (Islamy and Hasan 2020;Setyadi et al 2021).…”