Molluscs' Composition and Distribution in Mangroves of the Cameroon Central Coast

2017 International Journal of Research Studies in Biosciences  
Mangroves play relevant roles in coastal communities. Despite their high values, they suffered from human pressures which have caused biodiversity reduction and death of species unable to adapt to change. This survey aims to evaluate the diversity of mangrove molluscs, determine their distribution within stands and identify potential biological indicators in relation with the level of mangrove depletion. Study areas were selected between Limbe and Kribi. Transects were opened perpendicularly to
more » ... the main channels. Molluscs were identified or encoded and counted within 1 x 1 m² quadrats. More than 14,400 individuals grouped into 34 species and 15 families were recorded. With 8 species, Neritinidae was the most species richness while Pachymelaniidae and Pachymelania fusca was respectively the most abundant family (54.5%) and species (26.6%). The highest species richness was obtained in Yoyo (MI = 2.8) while Douala has shown the highest abundance (166.7 ± 74 ind. m-2) and species diversity (H' = 3.38). The census increased the Cameroun mangrove molluscs composition with five undetermined species, a Pachymelania sp. and two identified species. Three species (P. fusca, Tympanotonus fuscatus and T. radula) appeared tolerant to mangrove degradation while eleven others seemed to be adapted only to their local conditions.
doi:10.20431/2349-0365.0505002 fatcat:y7wug5st6fbdflh6xxyxusmt6m