Abstract
Thondaimanaru lagoon (TL) is one of the three lagoons in the Jaffna Peninsula, Sri Lanka. TL (N-9.819584, E-80.134086), which is 74.5 Km2. Fringing these lagoons are mangroves, large tidal flats and salt marshes. The present study is carried out to assess the diversity of gastropods in the northern part of the TL. The sampling of gastropods was performed by using quadrat method from July 2015 to June 2016. Different sites were selected and rainfall data, water temperature, salinity of the water and GPS values were collected. Collected gastropod shells were classified using standard taxonomic keys and their morphological as well as morphometrical characteristics were analyzed. A total of 23 individual gastropods were identified from the lagoon which belongs to 21 genera of 15 families among them 11 gastropods were identified up to species level.
Highlights
Investigation of lagoon gastropod diversity in Thondaimanaru, Northern Province Sri Lanka from July 2015 to June 2016
The present study is carried out to assess the diversity of gastropods in the northern part of the Thondaimanaru lagoon (TL)
A total of 23 individual gastropods were identified from the lagoon which belongs to 21 genera of 15 families among them 11 gastropods were identified up to species level
Summary
Investigation of lagoon gastropod diversity in Thondaimanaru, Northern Province Sri Lanka from July 2015 to June 2016. Due to the present natural beauty and the arrival of migratory birds to TL, it is an ideal place for tourists Those migratory birds are using the lagoon as their lodgment during the migration and those migrants respond to weather and stop over habitat quality as well as the foraging behavior of the migrants. Among their precious feeds, gastropods are the major source of foods for migrants. The existence of gastropods in the lagoon provides a better support for the nutrient recycling, especially within the mangrove area As they have different feeding habits such as detritivores, filter feeders, herbivores, carnivores and omnivores, they are showing higher abundance and diversity within the lagoon area. It deserves our attention towards the lagoon as a better research place for gastropod diversity
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
