COMMUNITY STRUCTURE OF GASTROPODS IN PLANTED MANGROVES

AREA OF TUBAJON, LAGUINDINGAN, MISAMIS ORIENTAL

MARY ANN BACARO ESCONDE

LUTHER FERNANDEZ SUAN

A Thesis Proposal
Submitted to the Faculty of the
College of Science and Environment
Mindanao State University at Naawan
9023 Naawan, Misamis Oriental
Requirements of the
Degree of

Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology

June 2022
 APPROVAL SHEET

The Undergraduate Thesis attached here to entitled “ Abundance, Distribution

Of Gastropods In Selected Mangroves Area Of Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental
S.Y. 2022-2023”partial
Fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Marine
Biology was successfully defended and approved on_______________.

Mary Ann B.Esconde Luther F.Suan

Member Member

Venus Leopardas PhD

Thesis Adviser

The Department of Secondary and Elementary Education endorses the

acceptance of this Undergraduate Thesis as partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Secondary Education in Biology

LOVE CALALA M.Sc

Chair, Department of Secondary Education
This Undergraduate Thesis is hereby officially accepted as partial fulfillment of
the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Secondary Education in
Biology.

JESRAEL PALCO PhD.

Dean

College of Marine and Allied Sciences

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
 BIOGRAPHICAL DATA

NAME: Mary Ann B.Esconde

HOME ADDRESS: Maria Cristina Balo I Lanao Del

Norte
DATE OF BIRTH: April 10,1998

PLACE OF BIRTH: Maria Cristina Balo I Lanao del

Norte

PARENTS: Thomas V.Esconde

Vicenta B.Esconde

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

ELEMENTARY: Maria Cristina Falls Elementary

school,Iligan City

SECONDARY: Baloi National high School Achacoso

Drive Maria Cristina Balo i Lanao Del
Norte

SENIOR HIGH: Balo i National high School Achacoso

Drive Maria Chistina Balo i Lanao Del
Norter

COLLEGE: Mindanao State University at Naawan

College of Marine and Allied Sciences
Naawan, Misamis Oriental
Bachelor of Marine Biology
NAME: Luther F. Suan

HOME ADDRESS: Purok 2, DMS-V Tipanoy, Iligan City

DATE OF BIRTH: February 10, 2000

PLACE OF BIRTH: Initao Distriot Hospital Initao,

Misamis Oriental

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

ELEMENTARY: Tuod Elementary School Manticao ,

Misamis Oriental

SECONDARY: Iligan Medical Center College

Basic Education Department
Seminary Dr, Iligan City, Lanao del
Norte

SENIOR HIGH: Mindanao State University at Naawan

Integrated Developmental School
Naawan, Misamis Oriental

COLLEGE: Mindanao State University at Naawan

College of Marine and Allied Sciences
Naawan, Misamis Oriental
Bachelor of Marine Biology
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
ABSTRACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v

LIST OF TABLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi

LIST OF FIGURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii

LIST OF APPENDICES . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . viii

1 .INTRODUCTION . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.1. Rationale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 1

1.2. Objectives . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1.2.1. General objective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1.2.2. Specific objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1.3. Significance of the study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1.4. Scope and limitations of the study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 3

1.5. Definition of terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

3. MATERIALS AND METHODS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3.1. Study Area/Experimental set-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3.2. Presentation of methods according to prioritization of objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

3.3. Statistical design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Rationale

Gastropod assemblage associated with a planted mangrove consisting of

Rhizophora apiculata species composition, density, and biomass of gastropod assemblages
in a planted mangrove were compared to those associated with natural mangroves. species
composition, density, and biomass of gastropod assemblages in a planted mangrove were
compared to those associated with natural mangroves. Gastropods are dependent on
structure as habitat; no ecological assessment done for planted mangroves .Tubajon,
Laguindingan has mangrove forest of planted Rhizopora mangroves .Faunal assessment is
lacking, but important to assess the effectiveness of planting mangroves in increasing
ecological integrity

Gastropods are a vital biological resource in mangrove ecosystems. Gastropods are

the largest class of the mollusk phylum, with about 100.000 species of mollusks scattered
almost all over the world (Strong et al. 2008). Gastropod corresponds to almost three-quarters
of the total number of mollusks. In Indonesia, mollusks are ranked second largest phylum and
varies after fish (Badan Pusat Statistika, 2016).

Gastropods can be found in a wide range of habitats, but their spread is strongly
influenced by the habitat conditions, such as physical, chemical and biological factors (Pyron
and Brown, 2015). Mangrove constitutes an ecosystem existing in the intertidal area,
considered as the highly suitable habitat for gastropod (Zvonareva et al., 2015), since the
gastropods constitute the most common mollusk found in mangrove area (Pribadi et al.,
2009).

For example, Telescopium and Cerithidea obtusa are gastropods belonging to the
family Potamididae, typical fauna of the mangrove ecosystem and dependent on the
mangrove. Its existence will be affected if there is a change in the mangrove ecosystems.
Based on these conditions, gastropods are potentially used as mangrove bioindicators.

According to Nontji (2002) there are about 1,500 species of gastropods. Its existence
plays a role in the food chain in the mangrove ecosystem. This organism takes an essential
link for organic matter from mangroves to the third trophic level, such as fish or birds, through
the leaf (Kabir et al., 2014). Generally, gastropods live on roots, stems, and the substrate.
These organisms have relatively limited movement, so their abundance and distribution are
strongly influenced by habitat, food availability, and predation (Silaen et al., 2013).

The wide distribution area of gastropods indicates their importance to the ecosystem.
Thus, the community of gastropods may also be different according to the associated
environment. Gastropods are a group of organisms with economic and ecological importance
for the coastal area. They are litter feeders which consume fallen plant leaves, from earliest as
food. 

Gastropods also have economic value for various usages. The trading of gastropods
had been conducted for various purposes such as for food source and ornaments (Santhiya
et al., 2013). The demand for edible gastropods for human consumption tends to increase,
which even caused overfishing (Flores-Garza et al., 2012).

Diversity and biomass of gastropod change according to the condition of the

mangrove ecosystem (Zvonareva et al., 2015). The environmental dynamic of mangrove
ecosystem might affect the composition of gastropods within. A lot of gastropod species in the
coastal ecosystem are dependent on the mangrove forest due to its capability to adapt the
environment. Gastropod species are found attached to various part of mangrove plants such
as roots, trunk, branches or leaves (Manullang et al., 2018).

The economic value of gastropods had caused an increased fishing activity and
depleted population, the re-plantation of mangrove forest may improve the environmental
quality to support the habitat suitability of some gastropod species. Thus, this research aimed
of studying the abundance and diversity of gastropod at the mangrove forest in selected
mangrove area of Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, identifying and analyzing the abundance
and distribution of gastropod. Therefore, this research is expected to produce information
about the abundance and distribution of gastropods which can be used to monitor the
condition of the mangrove ecosystems in the selected mangrove area of the said location.
1.2 Objectives of the study

1.2.1 General objective

Determine community structure of gastropods in planted mangroves areas of
Tubajon, Laguindingan , Misamis Oriental

1.2.2 Specific objectives

Datermine species composition, species richness, abundance,and distribution pattern of
gastropods

1. Determine species composition of gastropods in Planted mangrove area

2. Determine species richness of gastropods
3. Determine the abundance of gastropods;
4. Determine the distribution pattern of gastropods

1.3 Hypothesis

Mangroves have a significant influence on the distribution and diversity of the

molluscan community specifically gastropods in the coastal habitats.

1.4 Significance of the Study

Will provide additional information on the community of marine gastropods in

planted mangroves of tubajon, municipality of Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental that may be
used in formulating management policies for the resources. In addition, the generated data
will be useful for the researcher and students that will be conducting future related studies.

1.5 Scope and limitation of the study

This document and determine species composition, abundance, distribution

and diversity of gastropods in one site mangrove area of Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental.
Sampling will be done during low tide at daytime. Associated flora & fauna will be noted.
Representative samples of unidentified species will be photographed for later identification.
1.6 Definition of terms

Abundance is the relative number of individuals of one kind (species) per unit area under
consideration.

Distribution is the manner in which a biological taxon in spatially arranged (Odum, 1983).

Species composition refers to the number of species found in a certain area (Devassy et al,
1979).

Species diversity is a measure that combines into single figure both the number of species
or richness and the distribution of the total individual among the species or evenness
(Nybakken, 1982).
 2. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Gastropods (formally, Gastropoda) make up a large group (class) of molluscs. They

have a muscular foot, eyes, tentacles and a special rasp-like feeding organ called the radula,
which is composed of many tiny teeth. Most gastropods have a coiled or conical shell, which
may be extremely reduced in some species or lost entirely as in slugs. Gastropods evolved
early in the Cambrian, but since the Palaeogene they have become the most common
molluscs, inhabiting both aquatic and terrestrial environments are common in ponds, streams,
marshes, and lakes. Usually, only a few species are found at one place, but each species will
have a rather wide range. Most species are common and feed on algae or dead plant
matter. are marginally, but very successfully, terrestrial. When actively moving, they
continuously lose water. During periods when water is unavailable, they retreat into their
shells and remain inactive until conditions improve. They hibernate during winter periods,
when water is locked into snow or ice, and estivate during periods of summer drought. 

Gastropods are an important source of food in the Filipino diet for its delectable taste.
Gastropod shells are widely collected, traded, bought and sold because of the beauty and
attractiveness of each variety. They are also used for the preparation as decorative and
household items which find their way to both local and foreign markets (PCAARRD 1988). On
the other hand, some species of gastropods act as intermediate host for some medically
important trematode parasites of human (Miller and Harley 2002).

The gastropod community is one of the aquatic organisms that utilize the mangrove
area as a place to live. proved that there is a strong relationship between mangrove density
and gastropod density (the higher the mangrove density, the higher the gastropod density).
Salim et al (2019)

Gastropods are one of the constituents of aquatic communities that can be found in
various types of substrates because of their better adaptability compared to other classes
Gastropods and Bivalves are generally benthos organism and they are regularly used as bio-
indicators of aquatic healthy. Gastropods and Bivalves can produce a billion of larvae in the
form of meroplankton that sustains the biotic population and they have a role in food chain.
(Hasan et al 2020)

One of the major places where people harvest gastropods in the Philippines is the
Dapya Island. This island is located in Surigao City, the gateway to Mindanao and is one of
the many cities endowed with extraordinary gifts. According to barrio folks, during older days,
various untamed fishes appeared and came along the sea water because of the presence of
mangrove trees which grow in swampy places. Although the Philippines is considered as a
mega-diverse country in terms of molluscs, studies on mollusc diversity in Mindanao is
considerably scarce (Jumawan et al. 2015). Additionally, molluscs had the highest number of
documented extinctions among the major taxonomic groups in the world (Lydeard et al.
2004).
 According to Marshall et al. 2015, gastropods are unique from an ecological
perspective because they inhabit extremely contrasting habitats such as marine, freshwater,
and terrestrial environments compared to other more abundant metazoans. Gastropods play
a significant ecological role in nutrient dynamics in the mangrove ecosystem because they
form an essential link within the food web as predators, herbivores, detritivores, and filter
feeders. The dynamics of sedimentation, abrasion, and the rate of change of land-use in the
South Coast of the Pamekasan Regency are higher compare to the North Coast of Madura.
Besides, the geographical position of the South Coast of Pamekasan Regency which is a
crossing of Madura from Bangkalan to Sumenep increases the dynamics of population
activities including reclamation of coastal land for new settlements, excavation of sand for
building materials, felling of mangrove trees for timber and leaves for fodder (Suprakto 2005).
It can endanger the life of mangrove biota, especially mangrove snails

Ecologically, for various types of terrestrial and marine organisms (Igulu et al. 2014;
Shing et al. 2014). Mangrove forests are crucial to gastropods providing breeding and nursery
grounds, food sources, and shelter from predators (Reid et al. 2010).

However, there were several factors causes of the disturbances in the mangrove area,
i.e., economic factors and the lack of people understanding the importance of the ecology of
mangrove forests, leading to the destruction of mangroves for economic purposes. The
distribution and dynamics of benthic communities are important to the health of any
ecosystem and differ between pristine and perturbed ecosystems. In recent years, coastal
regions are constantly under pressure due to unabated anthropogenic intervention (Törnroos
et al. 2015) and the Arabian Gulf is no exception.

Therefore, it is important to know the coastal ecosystem for understanding the

environmental status in the wake of development and rapid expansion. The complex
architecture of coastal habitats provides a high number of settlement sites and enhanced
nutrients, as well as lower predation pressure (Davis et al. 2001). The gastropods, due to their
predatory nature, occupy a central role in maintaining the functioning and productivity of
mangroves through by removing the encrusting fauna like barnacles and oysters from the
mangrove roots. For example, Thais sp. may feed on barnacles encrusted on mangrove
roots, and predation pressure by these snails may positively influence mangrove root growth
by cleaning the aerial root system (Koch and Wolff 1996).

The general features of the intertidal and subtidal macrobenthic fauna of western and
northern Gulf are well documented (Jones and Richmond 1992). It is reported that marine
molluscs of the UAE are of Indo-Pacific origin, and their diversity is restricted by extremes of
air and seawater temperature and salinity (Basson et al. 1977). There are a few studies on
macroinvertebrates in the sub-tidal areas along the northeast coast of Qatar, but no major
studies on the molluscan diversity and its seasonal changes in recent years.

According to Elder and Collins, (1991), mangroves are foundation species, which
provide habitat for several invertebrates, including molluscs. Molluscs are good indicators of
environmental health due to their sedentary nature and thus are widely known to show
community level changes in response to anthropogenic perturbations in different habitats
compared the macrofaunal community of planted mangroves with that of natural mangroves.
After three decades of a forestation, planted mangrove molluscs attained species diversity
comparable to that found in natural mangroves. There are several articles dealing with the
taxonomy of molluscs in this region (Anbiah 2007). The distribution and diversity of molluscs
depends on several physico-chemical factors, but the underlying factor is the habitat wherein
they thrive. We hypothesize that mangroves have a significant influence on the distribution
and diversity of the molluscan community in the coastal habitats.
 The gastropod group of the Littoraria genus has a close relationship with the
mangrove vegetation, as a food source (Riyandi et al 2017). According to Reid et al (2010),
the ability of gastropods of the Littoraria genus to associate with mangrove vegetation exists
since a long time ago, which is evidenced by the phylogenetic ancestor’s habitat
reconstruction for these species that have long inhabited the mangrove area. Sanpanich et al
(2004) reported that nine out of ten species of the genus Littoraria were found abundantly in
mangrove areas near the seashore.

Gastropod communities in mangrove areas was also carried out by Baderan et al

(2019) & Dewiyanti et al (2021), who reported as many as 21 and 41 species of gastropods,
respectively, one of which was the genus Littoraria found in soil substrate, roots, stems and
mangrove leaves. Gastropods of the Littoraria genus include species that have a good
adaptability to the mangrove areas and brackish water environments (Yolanda et al 2015). In
addition, the presence of organic matter in the mangrove area also contributes significantly
to meeting the needs and energy sources for the survival of these gastropod species.
 3. MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1. Entry Protocol

The study will be conducted in the coastal barangay of the one site municipality of
Laguindingan Misamis Oriental. Before the study will be conducted, a courtesy call to
Barangay Captain or Barangay Officials to be explain the purpose of the research and to ask
permission and assistance in pinpointing the mangroves and gastropods in the said area.

3.2. Study Area

The Study will be conducted at the intertidal area of Barangay Tubajon. Laguindingan
Misamis Oriental.

Figure 1. Map showing study site in Tubajon (08. °50’N. 124. °27’N) Laguindingan, Misamis
Oriental.

3.3. Sampling Method

Random throw described by (English et al. 1197) will be used in the study. In one site, A
stainless steel quadrat with 0.25 m2 area will be thrown randomly within the Tubajon planted
mangrove area at 50 times. Each geographic location of the quadrat will be recorded using
the GPS receiver. Inside each quadrat, gastropod species and the number of individuals per
species will be recorded. Each species will be photographed.
3.4. Sampling Frequency

The sampling will be conducted during neep tide at daytime once in Brgy. Tubajon,
Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental.

3.5. Physico-chemical Parameters

The following physico-chemical parameters will be determined in one site: water

temperature, salinity, and substrate type. The water temperature will be measured using
mercury filled thermometer, while salinity using the refractometer and the substrate type in all
stations will be characterized through touching and ocular observation (Mckenzie, 2003).

3.6. Data Analysis

To describe and determine the abundance and distribution of gastropods, the

following mathematical tools will be used:

3.6.1 Density

The density (Di) of each taxon will be determine based on actual count of individuals
found in the plots using the following formula based from Odum (1983)

¿
Di= A

Where:

Di= is the density of the taxon

Ni= is the total number of individual per taxo
A= is the area of sampled plot

3.6.2 Relative Abundance 

Relative species abundance is a component of biodiversity and refers to how

common or rare a species is relative to other species on a defined location or community and
is expressed in percentages (Olavides, et al., 2010).

No . of indivduals of eac h taxa

Relative Abundance (%)= x 100
No . of individuals of all taxa
3.6.3 Distribution pattern

Distribution pattern of Gastropods in each station will be determined using the Chi-
square test and Variance to mean.

a.) Variance to mean

S2
∑ ( X 2−X )
n−1
Where:

X =mean value of individuals in each quadrats

 N= total number of quadrats sampled
X = Chi-square
s2= variance
n -1= degrees of variance
X =¿ mean value of individuals found all quadrats

The obtained value of Chi-square test will be plotted in a Poisson diagram.

3.6.4 Species Indices

a. Shannon-Weiner Index of General Diversity H’

H =−∑
1

[( N ) ( )]
¿ log ¿
N

Where:
ni is the importance value of each taxon; and,
N is the total of importance value.

b. Index of evenness (e)

H1
e=
loglogS
Where:
H’ is the Shannon Index of diversity: and,
S is the number of taxa

Index of dominance (c)

( )
2
c=∑ ¿
N

Where:

ni is the importance value (number of individual) of each taxon: and,

N is the total importance value of all taxa.
 GANTT CHART
Marc Apri
Activities Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. h l
Site survey                  
Proposal preperation                  
Proposal defense                  
Preperation of
materials                  
Courtesy call                  
Collection of samples                  
Laboratory work                  
Data Analysis                  
Paper compilation                  
Final Defense                  
 BUDGETARY CHART

ITEMS AMOUNT IN Php

Transportations 2,000

Supplies and Materials:

Ballpen/pencils 60

Binding 800

Funds 3,000

Printing 700

Alcohol 150

Meals and Snacks 2,500

Medicine kit 250

Plastic bottles/sample bottles 250

Panels 1,000

Advisers 1,000

TOTAL 11,710
 FLOW CHART

Courtesy Call

Site Survey:
Barangay Tubajon.
Laguindingan Misamis
Oriental.

Proposal

Collection of Samples

Belt Transect Method Physico-chemical Observations

Parameters
Wading Tide
pH

Salinity Location

Water Temperature

Substrate Type
 LITERATURE CITED

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Mangrove Ecosystem of Oransbari District, South Manokwari Regency, West Papua Province,
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Dewiyanti I., Harbi M. , Elrahimi S A, Ulfah M. and Damora A. 2021 . Community structure of
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Aceh Tamiang. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 674 (2021) 012026

S. Ghasemi , M. Zakaria and N. Mola Hoveizeh 2011. Abundance Of Molluscs (Gastropods)

At Mangrove Forests Of Iran. Journal of American Science, 2011;7(1)

Baderan D K W. , Hamidun M S. Utina R. , Rahim S., and Dali Rifal , 2021. The abundance and
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