Diversity of marine macro molluscan bivalves and gastropods in the intertidal areas of Barangay Paniman, Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Philippines

Abstract

There have been very few studies on mollusk diversity in remote areas of the Philippines. The coastal areas of Caramoan, Camarines Sur, are ideal for studying marine molluscs because they have been discovered to be abundant, diverse, and essential to the locals’ livelihood. However, due to the remoteness of the mentioned area, this lack of information remains scientifically lacking. Thus, this study aimed to determine the diversity of marine macro-molluscan bivalves and gastropods in the intertidal areas of Barangay Paniman, Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Philippines. Purposive sampling and transect methods assessed the species composition, abundance, and occurrence of marine macro bivalves and gastropods. The Shannon-Wiener index was used to determine the area’s diversity. A total of 557 individual molluscs were sampled and classified, obtaining 43 species of bivalves from 32 genera and 18 families and 47 species of gastropods from 34 genera and 20 families. The family Veneridae had the highest among the bivalves, and the family Strombidae had the highest species richness among the gastropods. This study provided baseline information on the status of marine macro molluscan bivalves and gastropods in the intertidal area of Barangay Paniman, Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Philippines. As a result, this will provide solid empirical evidence for conservation and sustainability plans.