Abstract: This study was conducted to determine the species composition, community structure, species diversity, and economic uses to the people living in the coastlines of Northern Samar, Philippines. Sampling was done during the low tides of the day in the three areas of the province, namely: Balicuatro Area, Central Area, and Pacific Area. Environmental conditions were also studied, which included the water pH, temperature, salinity, depth, and substrate. Reconnaissance survey was conducted first before the actual sampling was done. In each of the area, three representative municipalities that have muddy, sandy and rocky substrates were included. The systematic quadrat sampling technique was used in gathering the specimens. A 100m transect line was laid out from the intertidal to subtidal zones (from landward to seaward) of the coastlines. From there, five quadrats of 1 sq m with intervals of 20m were established. All mollusc species within the quadrat were counted and identified. Representative samples were taken to the laboratory for further authentication and preservation. The specimens were boiled and the meat was removed. The shells were air dried and were placed in display boxes for the biological collection. Residents in the coastlines were interviewed using interview guide translated to Samarnon dialect about the economic uses of molluscs. The molluscs belonged to 2 classes, 2 sub-classes, 7 orders, 4 sub-orders, 30 super families, 50 families, 1 sub-family, and 100 genera. Family Conidae has the highest number of collected species, followed by family Cypraeidae, and family Strombidae. Cerithium tenellum Sowerby has the highest density, frequency, importance value and ecological importance; i.e. this species can be found in all the areas of the province. Balicuatro Area had the highest number of mollusc species collected. The species diversity using the Shannon Index is 6.93, which showed a high species diversity index for a real community. Molluscs can inhabit very well in rocky substrates; deeper waters; neutral pH; higher temperatures and higher salinity levels. The type of substrates have influenced the abundance, distribution, and species diversity. There is a high species diversity of mollusc fauna in the province. They are used for food, shell craft industry, i.e. wall and hanging decorations, jewelry, etc., medicinal uses, i.e. laxative, lime, etc., for biological studies, and for ethnozoological uses, i.e. used in rites, rituals, customs and traditions of the people.
Keywords: community structure, molluscs, diversity, substrate, abundance.
Title: Community Structure of Molluscs in Northern Samar, Philippines
Author: Divina Minguez-Galenzoga
International Journal of Life Sciences Research
ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)
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