ATENEO DE NAGA UNIVERSITY

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Inventory of Macroinvertebrates in the Mangrove Area of Barangay Caranan, Pasacao, Camarines Sur

Jann Dave DC. Luna

Nathan Joshua D. Manansala

Ivan Khristopher C. Ocampo

Ryan B. Regalado

Errol Christian L. Robles

Andre Miguel M. Silvestre

Ximon Kyle L. Yago

 March 2020

ABSTRACT

This study is an inventory of macroinvertebrates in the mangrove area of Barangay Caranan,

Pasacao, Camarines Sur. It aims to determine the abundance, occurrence, and frequency of the different

species in the mangrove area. Also, the study aims to create a taxonomic listing of the identified

macroinvertebrates species. This study will determine the most dominant species in the mangrove area.

The study used quantitative type of research specifically descriptive-survey method, and the researchers

used purposive sampling since the limitation is on the macroinvertebrates. Thus, species that are not

macroinvertebrates are not recorded. The study site is composed of three (3) sampling sites which

includes the transects. The identification of macroinvertebrates species was verified by a taxonomist in

the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The researchers would like to acknowledge Sir Levin Oropesa of Ateneo de Naga University

Senior High School Faculty. To Ma’am Ramona Renegado for her patience in handling them in the past

four months. To their collaboration with the group of SC27 for their outstanding teamwork and

cooperation. To Ms. Nonie P. Enolva, fishing regulation officer of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic

Resources, for reviewing their paper, especially the taxonomic listing, and for the advice that she had

given them regarding the taxonomic listing.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT 2

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4

CHAPTER I 6
INTRODUCTION 6
Background of the Study 6
Objectives of the Study 8
Scope and Delimitation 8
Significance of the Study 8
Definition of Terms 9

CHAPTER II 11
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 11
Macro-benthic Invertebrates in Mangrove Areas 11
Macrobenthic Molluscs 12
Macrobenthic Arthropods 13
Abundance 13
Feeding Behavior 14
Mangrove 15
Mangrove Restoration 15
Mangrove Zones (Area Zonation) 15
SYNTHESIS 16

CHAPTER III 18
METHODOLOGY 18
Research Design 18
Description of the Study Site and Sampling Sites 18
Collection and Identification of Samples 19
Taxonomic Listing 20
Data Gathering Procedures 20
Preparation of Material 20
Collection of Samples 21
Identification of Samples 21
Data Analysis 21

CHAPTER IV 22

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 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 22
Macroinvertebrates found in the three sampling sites 22
Systematic list of macroinvertebrates in mangrove area of Barangay Caranan, Pasacao, Camarines
Sur 23
Taxonomic listing of the macroinvertebrates found in mangrove area of Baragay Caranan,
Pasacao 27
Macroinvertebrates found in the mangrove area of Baragay Caranan, Pasacao 44

CHAPTER V 48
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 48
Summary 48
Conclusion 49
Recommendation 49

REFERENCES 50

APPENDIX A 54

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 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Mangrove ecosystem plays a major role in socio-economic development, it serves as

coastal resources and protection in the coastal area (Kathiresan, 2012). Specifically, mangroves

control tide level, reducing the effects of waves, helping to stabilize the shoreline, protect inland

structures, supports and promotes coastal fisheries, supporting wildlife communities by

providing diverse habitat (Ghasemi, Zakaria, and Hoveizch, 2011). This ecosystem supports a

wide variety of organisms, making this ecosystem highly productive (Nique & Balce, 2015).

These include macro-benthic organisms that have diverse ecological roles (Libres, 2015).

They are significant components of the estuarine ecosystem as they directly process a

significant part of primary production, providing an important food source for crustaceans, fish,

and birds (Rolston & Dittmann, 2009). They are important in the transitional ecosystem since

they filter phytoplankton and they act as food for fish or any other larger marine organisms

(Tagliapietra & Sigovini, 2010). Supported by the study of Tue et al, that invertebrates are

important in the mangrove structure processes, organic carbon dynamics, biogeochemical

processes (2012).

Among other invertebrates in a mangrove ecosystem, gastropods (snails) and brachyuran

crabs are the most common or dominant invertebrate groups (Tue et al, 2012). Gastropods are

said to feed on the leaves of young mangroves (Dewiyanti et al, 2012). However, there is

degradation on their habitat, the mangrove wetlands at local and global scales (Aheto et al,

2014). Abundance, species distribution, and diversity are important parts of understanding the

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function and structure of mangrove ecosystem (Kumar & Khan, 2013). Understanding mangrove

ecosystem will benefit us since these ecosystems provide indirect and direct benefits.

This study aimed to conduct an inventory of invertebrates that are found in the mangrove

area of Barangay Caranan, Pasacao, Camarines Sur. Since mangrove ecosystems are not given

sufficient attention, the macroinvertebrates that inhabit these ecosystems may be in risk.

Affecting the community that depends on their living in the area specifically in

macroinvertebrates. With these, the researchers would use the information gathered to raise

awareness and using this awareness to improve and protect the macroinvertebrates in mangrove

area and the mangroves itself.

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 Objectives of the Study

A. Identify the abundance, occurrence, and frequency of the different species of macroinvertebrates

living in the mangrove area of Barangay Caranan, Pasacao.

B. Make a taxonomic listing of the macroinvertebrates identified in the area.

C. Determine the most dominant species.

Scope and Delimitation

This study is about the inventory of macroinvertebrates present in the mangrove area of Pasacao,

Camarines Sur. The researchers limit the place to Pasacao, Camarines Sur because this place has a

mangrove area that is suitable for the inventory of invertebrates. The study is only limited to only one

place because of financial and time constraints.

The sampling was done by daytime, thus, making some of the night dwelling invertebrates not

present during the counting and identification of the species of invertebrates.

This study is focused on identifying the macro-benthic invertebrates present in the mangrove area

of Barangay Caranan, Pasacao, Camarines Sur. This study will use purposive sampling since the only

needed sample are the macroinvertebrates that inhabit the mangrove area. Also, in this study, abundance,

occurrence, and frequency are the variables that the researchers would determine.

Significance of the Study

The following may benefit from the results of this study:

Future Researchers. This study may become a source of their related studies about invertebrates

present in mangrove areas. Also, the results and discussion included in this study may provide them

sufficient information about invertebrates that inhabit mangroves.

Local Community. This study can provide awareness to the local community of Barangay

Caranan and give them information about the invertebrates inhabiting the mangroves. So that, they may

use this information to know the actions to preserve the ecosystem.

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 Academe. This study may help academe by providing them information and use that information

on studying related topics such as macroinvertebrates in seagrass compared to mangroves that would

benefit the whole.

Teachers This study may provide teachers knowledge and use that in giving awareness to

students. So, it may contribute to existing practices in protecting and improving mangrove areas.

Fishermen. This study may contribute to their existing knowledge about the macroinvertebrates

that they get to sell. Also, this study may provide them realizations about mangrove ecosystems

importance to macroinvertebrates.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. This study may help them in their development and

improvement practices in conservation of mangrove areas. This study may be beneficial for them in

conducting law enforcement in mangrove areas along Barangay Caranan, Pasacao, Camarines Sur.

Definition of Terms

The following are the terms that will be used in this study:

Macro-benthic Invertebrates. Benthic, which means “bottom-dwelling”, are small aquatic

animals that live in the bottom of the water. These animals also include the aquatic larval stage of insects.

In this study, this refers to the macroinvertebrates that are present in the mangrove area of Caranan,

Pasacao.

Marine Organism. These are organisms that live in the ocean, not only the animals but also the

plants. In this study, it is only identifying the different species of macroinvertebrates in the area.

Estuarine ecosystem. An estuary is a partially closed body of water that connects the ocean to the

rivers. As it is defined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the United States, it is

a body of water which connects the ocean to the rivers, and that is how it is also in this study.

Abundance. Abundance refers to how many members of a species live throughout the ecosystem.

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 Occurrence. If a species is common or uncommon. In this study, the occurrence will be used to

determine if a species is common or uncommon.

Frequency. Describes how frequent the species was observed. In this study, the frequency will be

used to determine how many times the species was seen in the area.

Mangrove Vegetation. Plants that inhabit mangrove area. In this study, it is the plants that inhabits

the mangrove area of Caranan, Pasacao.

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 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter presents the related studies, and it includes the following subtopics:

Macro-benthic Invertebrates in Mangrove Areas

Mangrove ecosystems support different organisms that live long periods of time or some are

transient in nature. These varieties of organisms are benthic invertebrates, such as gastropods, crabs,

bivalves, sponges, barnacles, and polychaetes (Ibrahim, Fouda, & Abdou, 2015). Macro-benthic

invertebrates takes a major part in the food web, acting as food for larger organisms. The macro-benthic is

more than 0.5mm size or can be seen by the naked eye, these organisms live near in benthic zone or

specifically in burrows and tubes (Lakshmanan, Anthonisamy, & Aloysius, 2019). Mangrove fauna or

species in mangrove habitat often show horizontal and vertical zonation, some of them dominate in mud

areas while others dominate on shrubs and leaves (Silva-Camacho et al, 2016). Benthic invertebrates acts

as a food source for shellfish which enters the mangrove area for breeding during high tide (Pravinkumar

et al, 2012). Macrobenthic invertebrates extend the productivity of a habitat, specifically they help in

recycling nutrients by scavenging decaying or dead organisms that helps recycle nutrients resulting in

productivity (Thilagavathi et al, 2013). Especifically, they participate in carbon cycling of the mangrove

ecosystem through conversion and consumption of mangrove primary production (An et al, 2014 ). Many

invertebrates inhabit mangroves, such as molluscs and arthropods. Nique and Balce (2015) stated that the

most abundant groups found in mangrove areas are bivalve molluscs, gastropod molluscs, and amphipod

crustaceans. Supported by the study of Zvonareva et al (2015), they claimed that molluscs are one of the

most dominant in terms of richness, species, biomass, and abundance. Arthropods such as crabs depend

on mangrove vegetation as a food resource and habitat (Satheeshkumar, 2012). This is supported by the

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study of Li et al (2015) that changes or differences in vegetation type greatly affects the density of grabs.

Similar to the study of Silva-Camacho et al, they suggested that mangrove vegetation is also a protection

of many species that inhabit mangrove areas. Since, the prop roots and pneumatophores of mangrove trees

forms a habitat for a wide variety of species and become home to many animals and plants such as marine

plants, invertebrates and vertebrates (2016). With these, monitoring and conservation practices of the

mangrove ecosystem is important.

People living near the mangrove area make these macro-benthic invertebrates as a source of

income, making them economically relevant. However, these invertebrates are affected by water quality.

One criteria that affects the biomass, abundance, and diversity of molluscs is the physical structure of the

mangrove forest. Thus, having even slight changes in the mangrove structure can lead to significant

effects on the abundance and diversity of molluscs within the mangrove area (Milad et al, 2014). Benthic

fauna that lives with mangroves tends to decrease as the mangrove matures resulting to affect the

abundance and diversity of benthic fauna (Alfaro, 2010).

Macrobenthic Molluscs

Molluscs are one of the dominant invertebrates in the mangrove area. They play an important

ecological role with regards to function and structure of mangroves (Li, Xu, & Wang, 2012). Phylum

mollusca includes snails, slugs, clams, and other organisms. According to the study of Kabir et al., the

main molluscs of phylum mollusca in mangrove areas are bivalve and gastropod. They often show

marked zonation. The abundance, diversity, and biomass of molluscs within mangrove habitat are

influenced by the structure of the mangrove area, sediment texture, and mangrove detritus. Molluscs have

been known to be an important link in the transfer of organic matter from mangroves to the secondary

consumers such as birds and fish. Also, molluscs is an edible source for coastal communities since some

coastal communities like brazilian coastal areas depend on certain molluscs such as clams and oysters as

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sources of food. Abundance and diversity of molluscs have been used as an indicator of the health of the

ecosystem and local biodiversity in mangrove (2014).

Macrobenthic Arthropods

Arthropods are invertebrates having exoskeleton, have segmented body, and paired jointed

appendages (Barnes, 2014). Arthropods consist of insects, crustaceans and many more. Study of Nique

and Balce stated that arthropods have direct and indirect significance to humans up to small planktonic

crustaceans. According to Khanam, Mustaquim, and Ayub of all the invertebrates that inhabit mangroves,

crabs are the most important since they utilize every inch of the muddy habitat. Food chain of

photosynthetic phytoplankton to the larger carnivores, crustaceans are a major link. Also, they stated that

these benthic arthropods, such as crabs move around themudflats and trees to look for food during low

tides (2015). They depend on mangrove vegetation as a food supply and habitat (Satheeshkumar, 2012).

The study of Chen and Ye suggested that sesarmid crabs are important in the mangrove ecosystem since

they remove a large part of mangrove leaf litter. Thus, foraging of sesarmid crabs on mangrove leaves

plays a major role in nutrient retention in mangrove area (2010).

Abundance

According to Vahidi et al, Macro-benthic fauna communities may vary from habitat to habitat

within the same mangrove area. They often inhabit a specific vertical and horizontal zonation pattern. The

distribution of macrofaunal group is influenced by local environmental conditions such as hydrological

characteristics, physicochemical factors (pH, temperature, salinity), availability of organic matter, tidal

patterns, sediment texture, predation, competition, and human activities. Thus, those organisms that will

survive are easily able to adapt to prevailing environmental properties of the ecosystem. Physicochemical

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factors varied in the sediment among different mangrove habitats, the diversity of infaunal group was a

function of the mangrove zonation (2019).

In riverine mangrove, the diversity of macrobenthic species is higher than those developing and

island mangroves due to nutrients, sediment structure, and hydrographic (Samidurai et al., 2012).

However, in tidal mangrove trees the most dominant group in macro-invertebrates is gastropods

(Aghajanpour et al., 2015). The abundance of mangrove molluscs tend to increase towards the lower

intertidal since they depend on availability of organic matter and sediment characteristics (Kabir et al.,

2014).

Feeding Behavior

According to the study of Saenger, Gartside, and Funge-Smith the biodiversity and functioning of

mangrove habitats thrive with the help of internal cycling such as leaf grazing by sesarmid crabs.

Supported by the study of Chen et al, they stated that sesarmid crabs are important in the mangrove

ecosystem as they affect litter carbon pool, and nutrient recycling (2015). Amphipod in mangrove habitat

consumes large quantities of decomposing Rhizophora stylosa leaves (2013). The study of Lakshmanan,

Anthoni and Aloysius suggested that benthos consumes a large portion of processed materials enriched

with primary carbon source that can fuel food chain that is transported to a higher trophic level which can

support off-shore communities. Benthic communities play a major role in trophic relationship since they

provide major sources of energy to economically and ecologically relevant demersal fishes (2019).

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Mangrove

One of the special characteristics of mangroves is that they can thrive in extreme levels of

salinity. Unlike other ecosystems, the mangrove ecosystem is dynamic and highly productive. Mangrove

ecosystem serves as a vital resource of the community near the mangrove such as in Barangay Caranan,

Pasacao, Camarines Sur. Not mentioning their defense ability in such calamities such as high tide and

tsunamis. This ecosystem helps fishers as they provide habitat for fish and crustacean species (Saenger,

Gartside, & Funge-Smith, 2013).

Mangrove Restoration

Mangrove restoration is very helpful these days as disasters are frequently occurring. Due to the

activities of crabs in mangrove sediments that reduces levels of sulfite, it will promote growth of new

roots of young mangroves. These will have a positive effect on recovering mangroves (Aschenbroich et

al, 2017). However, not all mangrove restoration is successful. Not removing the stressors that create

boundaries or limits to the natural processes of the ecosystem during the progress of the mangrove

restoration leads to failure (Pagliosa et al, 2016). The cause of loss of mangrove ecosystem is natural

hazards such as typhoons, floods, and tsunamis (Saenger, Gartside, & Funge-Smith, 2013). Because of

these losses the nearby community are affected socio-economically specifically the income of fishers.

Mangrove Zones (Area Zonation)

According to the study of Nique and Balce, they stated that mangrove forest consists of three

zones, coastal zone, middle zone, and inland zone. These three zones vary in type of trees and roots.

Coastal zone or Avicennia/Sonneratia zone is the closest to the sea and the most resistant to salty water.

The coastal zone mangrove trees possess aerial roots that are rooted to the ground and during high tide,

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the roots right above the water allows the absorption of oxygen. The middle zone or Rhizophora zone is

located between two zones. The mangrove trees in the middle zone have prop roots that hold them firmly

to the ground and absorb oxygen in the water. Lastly, inland zone or bruguiera zone is the farthest to the

sea and the least resistant to salty water. Roots of trees in inland zone provide structural support and

efficient oxygen absorption (2015).

SYNTHESIS

This study is similar to studies of Tue et al. (2012) and Tagliapetra and Sigovini (2010) because it

talks about importance, collection and identification of macroinvertebrates in a mangrove ecosystem.

Also, this study is similar to the studies of Rolston and Dittman (2009), Kabir et al. (2014), and Ghasemi,

Zakaria, and Hoveizch (2011) since it is about the distribution and abundance of macroinvertebrates

specifically molluscs. Moreover, this study is similar to the studies of Aheto et al. (2014), Kumar and

Khan (2013), Ibrahim, Fouda and Abdou (2015), Thilagavathi et al. (2013), Samidurai, Saravanakumar,

Kathiresan (2012), Vahidi et al. (2019) since its main topic is macroinvertebrates within mangrove

habitats. It mainly talks about the diversity of macroinvertebrates in different mangrove areas. Their study

differed in study sites since some studies are in India while others are in Egypt.

This study is different to the studies of Kathiresan (2012) and Saenger, Gartside, and

Funge-Smith (2013) since it focuses on the mangrove ecosystem. Also, this study is different from the

studies of Pravinkumar et al. (2012), Alfaro (2010), and Pagliosa et al. (2016) because it focuses only on

benthic communities in mangrove areas. This study is also different to the studies of Satheeshkumar

(2012), Li et al. (2015), Chen and Ye (2010), and Li, Xu and Wang (2012) since it focuses on crabs,

mangrove vegetation, restoration, sediment due to foraging by crabs, and community structure of

molluscs. The studies of An et al. (2014), Aschenbroich et al. (2017), and Aghajanpour et al. (2015) since

it focuses on the roles of macroinvertebrates in the mangrove ecosystems.

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CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

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 CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents a description of study site and sampling sites, materials used in the study,

research design, and collection of samples.

Research Design

The main objective of this study is to conduct an inventory of macroinvertebrates in mangrove

areas along Barangay Caranan, Pasacao, Camarines Sur. To effectively know the abundance, occurrence,

and frequency and to make a taxonomic listing of macroinvertebrates in the mangrove area of Barangay

Caranan, quantitative research specifically descriptive survey method is used in this study. This research

method focuses on the characteristics of a specific sample.

Description of the Study Site and Sampling Sites

Mangrove areas along Barangay Caranan, Pasacao, Camarines Sur were selected as study site.

The coordinates of the plots in the study site were determined using an application called waypoints. The

differences of each sampling site namely plot 1, plot 2, and plot 3 is that each plot has a different

distribution of organisms. The structure of each plot is different, plot 1 is drier than the other plots. Plot 2

is more muddy than plot 1. Plot 3 has more water area than plots 1 and 2. Each plot measures 10 x 10

meter.

Table 1. Coordinates of the plots in the sampling sites

Sampling Sites

Plot 1 Plot 2 Plot 3

13°31'20.0"N 123°00'46.6"E 13°30'43.0"N 123°01'29.7"E 13°31'19.9"N 122°59'52.7"E

18
 Figure 1. Location of Sampling Sites

Collection and Identification of Samples

Macroinvertebrates found inside the 10 x 10 meters plot were handpicked and were documented

through mobile phone. Before handpicking organisms. A 10 meter ropes was used to create a 10 x 10

meters plot for taking samples. During the collecting of samples, the organisms were handpicked by the

researchers. Collection of samples were done during the daytime of January 19, 2020. The researchers

used purposive sampling since the only sample should be studied are macroinvertebrates in the mangrove

area of Barangay Caranan, Pasacao, Camarines Sur.

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Taxonomic Listing

Taxonomic listing is the proper way of categorizing organisms. These categories are domain,

kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus and species. Taxonomists helped the researchers to verify if

the taxonomic listing was correct.

Table 2. List of materials used during the data collection of samples

Materials and Equipment Uses

10 meter ropes For setting-up the transects

Mobile phone For documentation

GPS Waypoints To determine the coordinates of sampling areas

Data Gathering Procedures

Preparation of Material

To have the three sampling sites, we prepared ten meter ropes for setting-up the transects. In those

transects, samples were collected and documented through mobile phones. For determining the location of

the sampling sites, we used the application GPS waypoints.

Collection of Samples

In the three transects, the collection of samples occurred, the samples were handpicked and

documented. All of the documented samples were returned to its location. The collection of samples were

done during the daytime of January 19, 2020.

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Identification of Samples

In identification of samples, the species were identified by the researchers and was verified by a

taxonomist in Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

Data Analysis

The identified samples were put in a table with the responding sampling site/s where the species

were found. Also, each of the identified species has its own taxonomic listing that were verified by a

taxonomist in the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). The data were organized and

interpreted by the researchers to determine the abundance, occurrence, frequency, and the most dominant

species in the mangrove area of Caranan, Pasacao.

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 CHAPTER IV

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This chapter presents the results, discussion, and the taxonomic listing of the identified species

from the collection of samples.

Macroinvertebrates found in the three sampling sites

Table 3 presents the macroinvertebrates associated with the mangrove area of the study site.

Table 3. List of macroinvertebrates found in the three sampling sites.

Species name Class Order Family Site Site Site

1 2 3

Gafrarium sp. Bivalvia Venerida Veneridae + - +

Cuna sp. Bivalvia Carditida Carditidae + - -

Nerita Tessellata Gastropoda Cycloneritida Neritidae + + +

Pirenella sp. Gastropoda Caenogastropoda Potamididae + + -

Indothais sp. Gastropoda Neogastropoda Muricidae - + -

Telescopium Gastropoda Caenogastropoda Potamididae - - +

telescopium

Littoraria sp. Gastropoda Littorinimorpha Littorinidae - + +

Littorina sp. Gastropoda Neotaenioglossa Littorinidae - - +

Austruca sp. Malacostraca Decapoda Ocypodidae + + +

Perisesarma samawati Malacostraca Decapoda Sesarmidae + + -

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 Anadara sp. Bivalvia Arcida Arcidae + + +

Iravadia sp. Gastropoda Littorinimorpha Iravadiidae + - -

Geloina sp. Bivalvia Venerida Cyrenidae + - -

Eoacmaea sp. Gastropoda Eoacmaeidae + - -

Trochus sp. Gastropoda Trochida Trochidae - + -

Aratus pisonii Malacostraca Decapoda Sesarmidae + + +

Littoraria sp. Gastropoda Littorinimorpha Littorinidae - - +

According to Nique and Balce, arthropods and molluscs in mangrove areas can be explained by

their biology. Bivalves and gastropods are said to be dominant in mangrove areas (2015). Supported by

the study of Kabir et al., stated that bivalves and gastropods are dominant in mangrove areas since their

diversity and abundance are influenced by the mangrove structure. Also, they are important in organic

matter transfer from mangroves to the secondary consumers such as birds and fish. These molluscs are a

source of food for the coastal communities (2014). With these, molluscs and arthropods are relevant in

coastal areas like Caranan, Pasacao.

Systematic list of macroinvertebrates in mangrove area of Barangay Caranan, Pasacao, Camarines

Sur

Kingdom

Phylum Arthropods

Class Malacostraca

Order Decapoda

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 Family Ocypodidae

Genus Austruca (H. Milne Edwards, 1837)

Austruca sp.

Family Sesarmidae

Genus Aratus

Aratus pisonii (H. Milne Edwards, 1837)

Genus Perisesarma

Perisesarma samawati (Gillikin & Schubart, 2004)

Phylum Mollusca

Class Bivalvia

Order Arcida

Family Arcidae

Genus Anadara (Bory de Saint-Vincent, 1827)

Anadara sp.

Order Carditida

Family Carditidae

Genus Cuna (Nicklès, 1955)

Cuna sp.

Order Venerida

Family Cyrenidae

Genus Geloina (Lightfoot, 1786)

Geloina sp.

Family Veniridae

Genus Gafrarium (Gmelin, 1791)

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 Gafrarium sp.

Class Gastropoda

Order Caenogastropoda

Family Potamididae

Genus Pirenella (Gmelin, 1791)

Pirenella

Genus Telescopium

Telescopium telescopium (Linnaeus, 1758)

Order Littorinimorpha

Family Iravadiidae

Genus Iravadia (Stoliczka, 1868)

Iravadia sp.

Family Littorinidae

Genus Littoraria (Lamarck, 1822)

Littoraria sp.

Genus Littoraria (Linnaeus, 1758)

Littoraria sp.

Order Neogastropoda

Family Muricidae

Genus Indothais (Born, 1778)

Indothais sp.

Order Neotaenioglossa

Family Littorinidae

Genus Littorina (Linnaeus, 1758)

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 Littorina sp.

Order Cycloneritida

Family Neritidae

Genus Nerita

Nerita Tessellata (Gmelin, 1791)

Order Trochida

Family Trochidae

Genus Trochus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Trochus sp.

Order

Family Eoacmaeidae

Genus Eoacmaea (Christiaens, 1975)

Eoacmaea sp.

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Taxonomic listing of the macroinvertebrates found in mangrove area of Baragay Caranan, Pasacao

Figure 2. Gafrarium sp.

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Mollusca

Class Bivalvia

Order Venerida

Family Veneridae

Genus Gafrarium (Gmelin, 1791)

Gafrarium sp.

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 Figure 3. Cuna sp.

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Mollusca

Class Bivalvia

Order Carditida

Family Carditidae

Genus Cuna (Nicklès, 1955)

Cuna sp.

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 Figure 4. Nerita tessellata

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Mollusca

Class Gastropoda

Order Cycloneritida

Family Neritidae

Genus Nerita (Gmelin, 1791)

Nerita tessellata

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 Figure 5. Pirenella sp.

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Mollusca

Class Gastropoda

Order Caenogastropoda

Family Potamididae

Genus Pirenella (Gmelin, 1791)

Pirenella sp.

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 Figure 6. Indothais sp.

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Mollusca

Class Gastropoda

Order Neogastropoda

Family Muricidae

Genus Indothais (Born, 1778)

Indothais sp.

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 Figure 7. Telescopium telescopium

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Mollusca

Class Gastropoda

Order Caenogastropoda

Family Potamididae

Genus Telescopium (Linnaeus, 1758)

Telescopium telescopium

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 Figure 8. Littoraria sp.

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Mollusca

Class Gastropoda

Order Littorinimorpha

Family Littorinidae

Genus Littoraria (Linnaeus, 1758)

Littoraria sp.

33
 Figure 9. Littorina sp.

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Mollusca

Class Gastropoda

Order Littorinimorpha

Family Littorinidae

Genus Littorina (Linnaeus, 1758)

Littorina sp.

34
 Figure 10. Austruca sp.

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Arthropoda

Class Malacostraca

Order Decapoda

Family Ocypodidae

Genus Austruca (H. Milne Edwards, 1837)

Austruca sp.

35
 Figure 11. Perisesarma samawati

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Arthropoda

Class Malacostraca

Order Decapoda

Family Sesarmidae

Genus Perisesarma (Gillikin & Schubart, 2004)

Perisesarma samawati

36
 Figure 12. Anadara sp.

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Mollusca

Class Bivalvia

Order Arcida

Family Arcidae

Genus Anadara (Bory de Saint-Vincent, 1827)

Anadara sp.

37
 Figure 13. Iravadia sp.

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Mollusca

Class Gastropoda

Order Littorinimorpha

Family Iravadiidae

Genus Iravadia (Stoliczka, 1868)

Iravadia sp.

38
 Figure 14. Geloina sp.

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Mollusca

Class Bivalvia

Order Venerida

Family Cyrenidae

Genus Geloina (Lightfoot, 1786)

Geloina sp.

39
 Figure 15. Trochus sp.

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Mollusca

Class Gastropoda

Order Trochida

Family Trochidae

Genus Trochus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Trochus maculatus

40
 Figure 16. Aratus pisonii

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Arthropoda

Class Malacostraca

Order Decapoda

Family Sesarmidae

Genus Aratus (H. Milne Edwards, 1837)

Aratus pisonii

41
 Figure 17. Eoacmaea sp.

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Mollusca

Class Gastropoda

Order

Family Eoacmaeidae

Genus Eoacmaea (Christiaens, 1975)

Eoacmaea sp.

42
 Figure 18. Littoraria sp.

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Mollusca

Class Gastropoda

Order Littorinimorpha

Family Littorinidae

Genus Littoraria (Lamarck, 1822)

Littoraria sp.

43
Macroinvertebrates found in the mangrove area of Baragay Caranan, Pasacao

Species in this study differed from other studies since the study sites were different. According to

Nique and Balce (2015), species distribution differed because of mangrove structure, making every

mangrove-associated macroinvertebrates community unique. Thus, having slight changes in mangrove

structure can negatively affect the diversity and abundance of macroinvertebrates in mangrove areas

(Milad et al, 2014). Gastropods and bivalves have the most number found in the mangrove area of

Barangay Caranan. Supported by the study of Kabir et al., that the main molluscs in mangrove areas are

bivalves and gastropods (2014). Also, three types of arthropods found in the area which are common to a

mangrove area since they feed on the mangrove area. They are the most important species in the

mangrove area since they utilize every inch of the muddy habitat and remove a large portion of mangrove

leaf litter. These crabs have a major role in the nutrient cycle of the mangrove area (Chen& Ye, 2010).

44
Table 4. Occurrence and Frequency of the identified species

Species Occurrence Frequency

Gafrarium sp. Uncommon 4

Cuna sp. Uncommon 2

Nerita Tessellata Common 30

Pirenella sp. Uncommon 2

Indothais sp. Uncommon 1

Telescopium telescopium. Uncommon 3

Littoraria sp. Uncommon 4

Littorina sp. Uncommon 1

Austruca sp. Common 30

Perisesarma samawati. Common 34

Anadara sp. Common 12

Iravadia sp. Uncommon 1

Geloina sp. Uncommon 1

Eoacmaea sp. Uncommon 1

Trochus sp. Uncommon 2

Aratus pisonii Common 39

Littoraria sp. Uncommon 2

45
 Figure 19. Abundance of the Macroinvertebrates

Table 4 shows that among the different species, only five species were common since they are

present in all sites. Nerita Tessellata, Austruca sp, Perisesarma samawati, Anadara sp, and Aratus pisonii

are the species that were identified common. Figure 19 shows molluscs is the most abundant group in the

mangrove area of Barangay Caranan, Pasacao. The identified molluscs include bivalves and gastropods,

while malacostraca in arthropods.

The abundance of molluscs are significant because they act as a food for larger organisms. These

molluscs play an important role in mangrove structure and function that is directly proportional to the

diversity of the different species (Kabir et al., 2014). Arthropods that inhabit mangrove areas are

important to the overall status of the ecosystem. Crabs utilize every inch of the habitat and they are a

major link to the food chain of larger organisms (Khanam, Mustaquim, & Ayub, 2015). In the three

46
sampling sites, the three species of crabs are common which can indicate that the mangrove area of

Pasacao will be developed since these crabs are a major part of improving a mangrove area. Aratus

pisonii is the most dominant species in the mangrove area and commonly known as mangrove tree crab.

This species is important since they are responsible for energy transfer of benthic food webs (Pescinelli,

Davanso, & da Costa, 2015). These crabs are highly adapted to black, white, and red mangrove and

consume large amounts of fresh mangrove leaves (Riley et al, 2014). They are significant in a mangrove

ecosystem because they act as a system engineers through their burrowing and bioturbation activities

(Riley, Vogel, & Griffin, 2014). They stated that their functions are associated with their diet and foraging

strategies.

However, the challenge today for the macroinvertebrates in mangrove areas is pollution that may

negatively affect the diversity of the species in the mangrove area which would also affect the coastal

community. With these, there is a need to improve the conservation practices of the local community with

the help of authorities. Improving and conserving the mangrove area will directly benefit the coastal

community that may depend on their livelihood to the mangrove area, by catching crabs or any other

species that they may use as a food resource. With these, this study can be a source of information and use

that knowledge to create conservation practices that would help the mangrove area of Barangay Caranan

develop and the coastal community.

47
 CHAPTER V

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

This chapter presents the summary of the study. This includes the objectives of the study, methods

and results of the study.

Summary

The objectives of the study are to identify the abundance, occurrence, and frequency of the group

or the different species. Also, to make a taxonomic listing of all the identified species in the mangrove

area of Barangay Caranan, Pasacao. This study determines the most dominant species present in the

mangrove area.

The main objective of this study is to conduct an inventory of macroinvertebrates in the mangrove

area of Baragay Caranan, Pasacao, Camarines Sur. The researchers used a quantitative type of research

specifically descriptive-survey method. The study site is composed of three sampling sites, which are

plots 1, 2, and 3, they differ in mangrove structure since plot 1 is more dry than plots 2 and 3. While, plot

3 has the most water portion. In setting up the transects, the researchers used 10 meter rope and the

coordinates of each sampling sites was determined using the application called GPS waypoints. The

species collected were documented using mobile phones. In identifying the different species collected, we

had a taxonomist from Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) that verified our taxonomic

listing of the identified macroinvertebrate species in the mangrove area of Barangay Caranan.

As a result, the data showed that in the mangrove area of Barangay Caranan, the most abundant

group is the molluscs while the most dominant species was from the group of arthropods specifically the

Aratus pisonii. There were seventeen (17) different species of macroinvertebrates found in the three (3)

sampling sites. The group of molluscs is composed of ten (10) different gastropods and four (4) different

48
bivalves. The identified arthropods are composed of three (3) different malacostraca. Lastly, the

researchers created the taxonomic listing of the species of macroinvertebrates.

Conclusion

The mangrove area of Barangay Caranan is still developing since the species that inhabit the area

indicates that status of the mangrove ecosystem. The different species of arthropods identified were still

young, it shows that the mangrove area is in the process of reviving and developing. With these, the

mangrove area needs the support of the coastal community and the local government. This study can help

to spread information or knowledge about the different species present in the area. And, use that

knowledge in conducting more studies about macroinvertebrates in mangrove area and effective

conservation practices. Effective conservation practices will help the mangrove areas of Barangay

Caranan and all mangrove ecosystems to develop faster. The development of the mangrove ecosystem

will benefit many species that would also link to the coastal community having direct effect since they

may use the mangrove habitat for resources such as food and income, making mangrove areas

socio-economic relevant..

Recommendation

The researchers would recommend conducting their study about mangrove areas and the species

that inhabit the ecosystem in different areas of the Bicol region. Also, more study sites are equal to more

efficient results, the researchers recommend widening their scope and conduct a similar study with more

variables given that they have plenty of time. Moreover, after they conducted their study, they should

come up with conservation practices given that they have the authority. Lastly, the researchers

recommend that their study should be presented to the community with the aid of local government in

giving development practices needed to preserve and conserve the mangrove area.

49
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 APPENDIX A

CERTIFICATE GIVEN BY Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

54