Species composition of macromolluscs in Barangay Talao-talao, Lucena, Quezon province, Philippines

Abstract

Degradation of upland vegetation and the continuous environmental insults on coastal ecosystems negatively impact the inhabiting molluscs. In particular, macromolluscs present in the intertidal zones of coastal communities in the Philippines are directly affected by human activities and the fast-changing climate. However, a limited number of studies have investigated the effects of habitat alteration and degradation on the composition and diversity of the Philippines’ intertidal molluscs. Thus, this study assessed the species composition of macromolluscs in Lucena, Quezon, and the underlying environmental and habitat factors that may dictate the presence and abundance of these marine animals. To address these concerns, handpicking and purposive sampling of marine molluscs were conducted in the entire intertidal region of the sampling site. This study reported 62 different species at the intertidal zones of Lucena, Quezon, with species originating from the family Olividae being the most abundant organism among the sampled gastropod and bivalve species in the area. Analysis of the observational differences in molluscan habitat may highlight ecological factors affecting the diversity and abundance of the intertidal fauna. Continuous use of the shoreline for traditional fishing and the close proximity of the port of Lucena and human habitation to the coastal zone may also serve as underlying factors to the lack of live mollusc samples in the intertidal region nearest to the port. Together, these findings suggest a high species composition and abundance of macromolluscs inhabiting the intertidal zone of Lucena, Quezon, highlighting the drastic effects of changing marine ecosystems on the ability of various species to occupy a specific area in the marine environment.