Abundance Of Gastropods Research Articles

Abundance and Distribution Patterns of Gastropods in the Intertidal Bay of Kambang Lengayang Sub-District, Southern Coastal District, West Sumatera

This study aims to determine the abundance and distribution pattern of gastropods in the intertidal bay, Kambang Lengayang District, Pesisir Selatan Regency, West Sumatra. The benefits of this research are expected to be a reference or information for further research in Kambang Bay which in the end is expected to minimize the adverse effects of gastropod hunting. The research method used in this study is a survey method, namely direct observation and sampling which is divided into 3 stations where the sampling station 1 is taking in the coastal waters of the bay in an area where there is no community activity, station 2 is taking in the waters of the bay in the fishing trawl area. station 3 taking in the coastal waters of Kambang in the reclamation area. Based on the analysis of organic sedimentary material in the study area, the average value was obtained at station 1 (3.55%), station 2 (4.20%) and station 3 (3.33%). Based on the analysis, the sediment fraction that dominates each station is sand. The gastropods found at the study site were Clypeomorus bifasciata, Littoraria scabra and Cerithulata cingulata. The abundance of gastropods in the coastal waters of Kambang ranged from 2.33 to 5.00 Ind/m2. The results of the ANOVA test showed that the abundance of gastropods in the bay waters showed 0.214 beaches, indicating that the difference in abundance between stations was not significant. The gastropod pattern found at the study site is generally in groups.

Abundance and growth pattern of gastropods (Telescopium Telescopium and Cerithidea Obtusa) and association with mangrove ecosystem at bee jay Bakau resort, Probolinggo East Java

Bee Jay Bakau Resort (BJBR) is a mangrove ecotourism that has been rehabilitated from damaged mangrove areas. This rehabilitation have an impact on typical mangrove fauna such as Telescopium telescopium and Cerithidea obtusa. The present study was performed in December 2020. This study aims to analyze about abundance and growth pattern of gastropods T. telescopium and C. obtusa and the association with BJBR mangrove ecosystems. The sampling was determined using the purposive sampling technique and carried out at three stations based on the distinct locations using a 1mx1m transect. The association of gastropods and mangrove ecosystems was analyzed using Correspondence Analysis (C.A.). The results show that gastropods abundance ranged from 9 ind/m2 to 84 individuals/m2. Overall, the growth pattern is allometric negative, which means the length growth is faster than the weight growth. The result of C.A. showed that there are three association groups of between gastropods and mangroves.

Limited gastropod abundances call for selective, small scale artisanal fisheries in a Patagonian marine protected area

Marine gastropods are key items in small-scale fisheries worldwide, generating employment and high economic value in international markets. In North Patagonian Gulfs (Southwestern Atlantic), gastropods are landed as by-catch in bivalve artisanal fisheries, and thus no official statistics are reported. Recently, the first regulation of marine gastropod catches was established based on size at maturity for some edible species. However, additional biological-fishery data are necessary for developing a management plan if a regulated small-scale fishery is to be established. We provide the first preliminary estimation of the harvestable stock and other basic biological parameters of gastropods in the San José Gulf (SJG), a Natural Protected Area in Northern Patagonia. Density assessments are usually carried out using dredges or trawl nets that damage marine substrata, and thus we used data from non-destructive, drifting underwater visual census in transects, integrated with a Geographic Information System. We estimated the biomass, density, CPUE and the harvestable stock of Odontocymbiola magellanica and Buccinanops cochlidium, the main species currently landed in SJG. Visual surveys were conducted in 85,000 m2, where both species were present in depths ranging from 5 to 20 m depth. For O. magellanica, the maximum densities were 0.02–0.04 individuals m−2 with maximum CPUE of 12.8 kg diver−1 15 min−1 and estimated harvestable biomass of 837.05 kg (S.D. = 189.96), whereas for B. cochlidium densities were 0.32–0.60 individuals m−2 with maximum CPUE of 9.25 kg diver−1 15 min−1 and 365.12 kg (S.D. = 81.86) of harvestable biomass. The delayed maturity and reproductive strategies of both species, among other biological parameters, require a precautionary approach. The total exploitable biomass estimated in our work clearly highlights the need for a very selective, small-scale fishery, operating under a well enforced management plan regulating their capture to ensure its sustainability in a Natural Protected Area.

Can Co-Grazing Waterfowl Reduce Brainworm Risk for Goats Browsing in Natural Areas?

Goats browsing in woodlands, whether for livestock production goals or vegetation management (e.g., targeted grazing to control invasive plants), are at risk of meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) infection. Indeed, up to 25% incidence has been observed in goats employed in vegetation management. Infection, which occurs via the consumption of an infected gastropod intermediate host, is potentially deadly in goats. We experimentally tested whether co-grazing with waterfowl could reduce goats' exposure via waterfowl consumption of gastropods. Gastropods were sampled in a deciduous woodland before and after the addition of goats alone, goats and waterfowl, or a control with no animal addition. We found that goats browsing on their own increased the abundance of P. tenuis intermediate hosts; however, when goats co-grazed with waterfowl, these increases were not observed. Importantly, waterfowl did not significantly affect overall gastropod abundance, richness, or diversity. Thus, waterfowl co-grazing may effectively reduce goat contact with infectious gastropods without detrimentally affecting the gastropod community. While co-grazing goats with waterfowl may decrease their P. tenuis exposure risk, additional research is needed to confirm whether waterfowl can actually lower P. tenuis incidence.

Long‐term responses of gastropods to simulated hurricanes in a tropical montane rainforest

AbstractClimate‐induced disturbances such as hurricanes affect the structure and functioning of ecosystems, especially those in the Caribbean Basin, where high‐energy storms have long affected ecosystem dynamics. Because climate change will likely continue to alter the frequency and intensity of hurricanes in the Caribbean, it is increasingly important to understand the mechanistic bases for ecosystem responses. Although long‐term surveys and nonmanipulative “natural experiments” provide considerable insight, manipulative experiments are required to decouple confounded factors associated with high‐intensity storms. To address this, we exploited a replicated factorial design to experimentally isolate the long‐term effects of canopy opening and debris deposition on population‐ and community‐level characteristics of gastropods in the Luquillo Experimental Forest of Puerto Rico. The canopy trimming experiment included four treatments: (1) the reference treatment received no manipulations; (2) canopy trimmed, but debris from trimming not deposited on the forest floor (trim only); (3) canopy not trimmed, but debris deposited on the forest floor (debris only); and (4) canopy trimmed and debris deposited on the forest floor (trim and debris). After 10 years, the trim and debris treatment was repeated to simulate reoccurring hurricane events, whereas the trim‐only and debris‐only treatments were not subject to additional manipulation at this time. We evaluated responses to treatment and time for gastropod populations (abundance) and communities (biodiversity and composition). Population‐level responses were species specific. Three species and total gastropod abundance exhibited consistent responses to treatments regardless of time, four species exhibited consistent temporal trends regardless of treatment, and five species exhibited an interaction in which the effects of time depended on treatment. In general, point‐, α‐, and γ‐biodiversity decreased through time, whereas β‐biodiversity increased through time. Gastropod populations and communities were resistant and resilient to the simulated disturbances, exhibiting quick recovery from any short‐term changes in abundance or biodiversity. From an evolutionary perspective, long‐term exposure to hurricane‐induced disturbances likely leads to species‐specific adaptations that enhance resistance and resilience.

Decreased Diversity and Abundance of Marine Invertebrates at CO2 Seeps in Warm-Temperate Japan.

Japan has many coastal carbon dioxide seeps as it is one of the most volcanically active parts of the world. These shallow seeps do not have the spectacular aggregations of specialist fauna seen in deep-sea vent systems but they do have gradients in seawater carbonate chemistry that are useful as natural analogues of the effects of ocean acidification on marine biodiversity, ecosystem function and fisheries. Here, we compare macroinvertebrate diversity and abundance on rocky habitats at ambient (mean ≤ 410 µatm) and high (mean 971-1484 µatm) levels of seawater pCO2 in the warm-temperate region of Japan, avoiding areas with toxic sulphur or warm-water conditions. We show that although 70% of intertidal taxa and 40% of shallow subtidal taxa were able to tolerate the high CO2 conditions, there was a marked reduction in the abundance of corals, bivalves and gastropods in acidified conditions. A narrower range of filter feeders, grazers, detritivores, scavengers and carnivores were present at high CO2 resulting in a simplified coastal system that was unable to retain the high standing stocks of marine carbon biomass found in ambient conditions. It is clear that cuts in CO2 emissions would reduce the risks of climate change and ocean acidification impacts on marine biodiversity, shellfish production and biomass in the rocky coastal shores of this region.

An introduced pine shapes gastropod assemblages in the Central European broadleaved forest

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the introduction of Pinus sylvestris on the mesofauna of the forest floor in the Central European oak-hornbeam forest, using gastropods as a model group. Data on terrestrial gastropods and environmental variables were collected in 2012–2014 from 25 study plots (14 without pine and 11 with pine) at 14 localities scattered across Wielkopolska province in mid-western Poland. Forty-two species (34 of snails and 8 of slugs) were recorded, with significantly lower numbers of individuals and species in plots with pine. The negative effect of the presence of pine trees was most evident at the level of gastropod abundance. The species composition of gastropod assemblage was also significantly different between plots with and without pine. The symptoms of the assemblage’s reduction, impoverishment and trivialization thus suggested a long-term effect of the introduced pine on natural mesofauna. However, gastropod assemblage was shaped not by one dominating factor, but by a multifactorial combination of interacting variables, particularly related to herbaceous vegetation and to the tree- and shrub layer. Herb layer cover, moisture (reflected in the herbs), fertility (reflected in the herbs), and locally also the amount of calcium in the soil and insolation were found to be significant for the structure of gastropod assemblages. More environmental variables were significant at the sample level (i.e. within forest) than at the plot level (i.e. between forests), which is likely to be due to greater variation in the conditions within a rich forest as opposed to lower variation between forests. This highlighted the importance of using a two-scale approach to understand the conditions affecting gastropod assemblage structure in a habitat that is seemingly homogenous on the macro scale, but diversified and mosaic in the micro scale. The negative effects of pine introduction and the positive significance of the multifactorial combination of habitat factors at the macro- and micro level appear as important guidelines for favourable biodiversity management in the Central European oak-hornbeam forest and in other broadleaved forests.

Previous outbreaks and current abundance of corallivorous gastropods in southwestern Shikoku

Previous outbreaks and current abundance of corallivorous gastropods in southwestern Shikoku

Survey on Biotic Communities of The Ganga River System Around Prayagraj (Allahabad), India

A survey was conducted on the biotic communities of the Ganga River system around Prayagraj at Mehdauri, Shivkuti (River Ganga) and Gaughat, Sadiapur (River Yamuna) during 2017-18. Plankton and benthos showed identical pattern at all the centers investigated. Peak production of plankton was observed during summer months and their minimum number was recorded in monsoon months. Abundance of chironomids, bivalves and gastropods were recorded. Maximum values of phytoplankton were recorded 1413 units.l-1 and benthos 464 units.m-1 in the Ganga River System. Possible detrimental factors responsible for biota fluctuations are also discussed.

Abundance of Gastropods in The Estuary Area of Liku Village, Samaturu District, Kolaka Regency

Gastropods have an important role in the aquatic food chain. The purpose of this study was to determine the abundance of Gastropod species in the area around the estuary of Liku Village, Samaturu District, Kolaka Regency. This research was conducted in Liku Village, Samaturu District, Kolaka Regency. The research variable consists of the independent variable (X) in the form of the calculation of gastropod abundance and the dependent variable (Y), namely the estuary area of Liku Village, Samaturu District, Kolaka Regency. The method used in this practicum is the plot placement method with the design of using observation stations for 3 repetitions in which 5 plots of observation sampling are made in each station, so that in total there are 15 data collection times. The data analysis technique used is descriptive technique. The abundance calculation results showed that the abundance of 2 species Telescopium telescope and the Littorina scabra species. Keywords: Estuary, abundance, Gastropods.

Effects of low pH on the coral reef cryptic invertebrate communities near CO2 vents in Papua New Guinea.

Small cryptic invertebrates (the cryptofauna) are extremely abundant, ecologically important, and species rich on coral reefs. Ongoing ocean acidification is likely to have both direct effects on the biology of these organisms, as well as indirect effects through cascading impacts on their habitats and trophic relationships. Naturally acidified habitats have been important model systems for studying these complex interactions because entire communities that are adapted to these environmental conditions can be analyzed. However, few studies have examined the cryptofauna because they are difficult to census quantitatively in topographically complex habitats and are challenging to identify. We addressed these challenges by using Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS) for sampling reef-dwelling invertebrates >2 mm in size and by using DNA barcoding for taxonomic identifications. The study took place in Papua New Guinea at two reef localities, each with three sites at varying distances from carbon dioxide seeps, thereby sampling across a natural gradient in acidification. We observed sharp overall declines in both the abundance (34–56%) and diversity (42–45%) of organisms in ARMS under the lowest pH conditions sampled (7.64–7.75). However, the overall abundance of gastropods increased slightly in lower pH conditions, and crustacean and gastropod families exhibited varying patterns. There was also variability in response between the two localities, despite their close proximity, as one control pH site displayed unusually low diversity and abundances for all invertebrate groups. The data illustrate the complexity of responses of the reef fauna to pH conditions, and the role of additional factors that influence the diversity and abundance of cryptic reef invertebrates.

Food preferences of the great ramshorn Planorbarius corneus (Linnaeus, 1758) allospecies (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Planorbidae) from the Ukrainian river system

The “western” and “eastern” allospecies of the superspecies complex Planorbarius corneus (Linnaeus, 1758) sensu lato includes the most widespread and abundant gastropods in the Ukrainian aquatic fauna. The range of the “western” allospecies includes the north and central parts of Right Bank Ukraine, while the range of the “eastern” allospecies comprises the north-eastern and eastern parts of Left Bank Ukraine, and the extreme south (as far as the Danube River) of the Ukrainian steppe zone. The food preferences of these snails were established for the first time. Such data may provide the basis for studying the role of both allospecies in the food webs of the river systems of Ukraine.

Long‐term trends in gastropod abundance and biodiversity: Disentangling effects of press versus pulse disturbances

AbstractAimClimate‐induced pulse (e.g., hurricanes) and press (e.g., global warming) disturbances represent threats to populations, communities, and the ecosystem services that they provide. We leveraged three decades of annual data on tropical gastropods to quantify the effects of major hurricanes, associated secondary succession, and global warming on abundance, biodiversity, and species composition.LocationLuquillo Mountains, Puerto Rico.MethodsGastropod abundance, biodiversity, and composition were estimated annually for each of 27 years in a tropical montane forest that experienced three major hurricanes (Hugo, Georges, and Maria). Generalized linear mixed‐effects, linear mixed‐effects, and linear models evaluated population‐ and community‐level responses to year, ambient temperature, understorey temperature, hurricane, and time since hurricane. Variation partitioning determined the unique and shared variation in biotic responses associated with temperature, disturbance, and succession.ResultsRather than declining, gastropod abundances generally increased through time, whereas the responses of biodiversity were weak and scale dependent. Hurricanes and associated secondary succession, rather than ambient atmospheric temperature, moulded long‐term trends in abundances and biodiversity.Main conclusionsGlobal warming over the past 30 years has not progressed sufficiently to elicit significant responses by gastropods in the Luquillo Mountains. Rather, effects from pulse disturbances (i.e., hurricanes) and secondary succession currently drive long‐term variation in abundance and biodiversity. Gastropods evince high resilience in this tropical ecosystem. Historical exposure to recurrent hurricanes likely imbued the fauna with broad niches that make them resistant to current levels of global warming. We predict that biotic resiliency will be challenged once changes in temperature exceed interannual and inter‐habitat differences that typify this hurricane‐mediated system, or combine with an increased frequency of hurricanes and droughts to alter associations among environmental characteristics that define the fundamental niches of species. Only then might significant declines in abundance or the appearance of novel communities characterize the gastropod fauna in the Luquillo Mountains.

Small- and large-scale processes including anthropogenic pressures as drivers of gastropod communities in the NE Atlantic coast: A citizen science based approach

Rocky-shores are among the most threatened coastal habitats, particularly under human pressures. While rocky-shore communities have been increasingly used to evaluate local anthropogenic perturbations such as water eutrophication for instance, large-scale variability in relation to both natural and anthropogenic pressures is still overlooked. Here, using citizen science-based data, we applied a Random Forest modelling approach to assess the relative impact of both small-and large-scale processes (including natural and some anthropogenic pressures) on intertidal gastropod communities as well as taxa-specific gastropod abundances over more than 1000 km of the North-East Atlantic coast. Our model results demonstrate that small-scale conditions (i.e. within shore) are determinant in shaping gastropod communities. However, community responses are mainly driven by taxon-specific effects. Among large-scale predictors, high concentrations of inorganic nutrients and total suspended matter, as found in large river plumes, are the main drivers impacting the gastropod communities by depleting both taxon abundances and richness. According to models, the decline in abundance of the yet most prevalent taxa (Steromphala umbilicalis, Patella spp., S. pennanti and Phorcus lineatus) is expected to be between 65% and 85%, while Littorina littorea was the only taxon which may be favoured by high concentrations of inorganic nutrients and total suspended matter. Such results provide relevant insights in the context of ever-increasing needs for bioindicators of coastal ecosystems. Finally, this work sheds light on the value of a citizen science program resulting from a consultation between professional and citizen volunteers as a useful and efficient tool to investigate large-scale processes.

Diversity and abundance of terrestrial gastropods in Skikda region (North-East Algeria): correlation with soil physicochemical factors

BackgroundThe inventory process is the first method to protect and safeguard animal biodiversity. This study carries out a quantitative and qualitative inventory of terrestrial gastropods at three sites in Skikda province (north-eastern Algeria). The relationship between terrestrial gastropod diversity and soil physicochemical factors was investigated using statistical analyses.ResultsThe inventory data reveals the presence of four families and eight species showing varied predominance rates of Cornu aspersum species according to each site in the city of Skikda (Azzaba 53.88%; Ben-Azzouz 56.12%; El-Hadaiek 37.92%). The maximal specific richness was registered in the El-Hadaiek site (seven species), and the highest mean richness was noted in the Ben-Azzouz site (392 individuals). Of the eight gastropod species identified, three species (Cornu aspersum, Cantareus apertus and Rumina decollate) were classified as constant species. The Shannon–Weaver diversity and equitability indices vary by site.ConclusionThe presence of certain species in one site and their absence in other sites, as well as the variation in ecological indices, could be attributed to the effect of soil-physicochemical factors.

Diversity and abundance of terrestrial Gastropods on the slopes of Mount Arjuna-Welirang, East Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Nurhayati PA, Affandi M, Nurinsiyah AS. 2021. Diversity and abundance of terrestrial Gastropods on the slopes of Mount Arjuna-Welirang, East Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 4193-4202. Before this study, the latest list of land snail species from Mt. Arjuna-Welirang was published in 1952. The current study aims to update the list of terrestrial Gastropods in the area, focusing on Sumber Brantas Arboretum and Raden Soerjo Forest Park Conservation Area (Tahura), East Java, Indonesia. Live snails and dead shells were collected from 24 10 × 10 m2 sampling plots to determine species richness, composition, and abundance. Sampling was carried out by combining visual observation (direct collection) and sorting-sieving soil-leaf litter samples. Total 646 specimens belonging to eight families and 13 species were collected, all new records to the area. Thus, the number of species known from Mt. Arjuna-Welirang was increased to 16 species from nine families. The diversity index of the Mt. Arjuna-Welirang slope was 1.1, and the dominance index was 0.54. The Tahura had a higher diversity index than the Arboretum, at 2.0 and 0.38, respectively, but the dominance index for Tahura was lower (0.18 and 0.85, respectively). This was due to the dominance of Bradybaena similaris, an invasive species in the latter area. Less canopy cover and more human activity in the Arboretum are factors that might cause this discrepancy. Many land snail species are sensitive to desiccation and habitat disturbance. Therefore, minimizing habitat changes and human activities is necessary to maintain or increase native land snail species diversity.

Diversity and distribution of freshwater molluscan fauna in reservoirs and headwater streams of the Kala Oya river basin in Sri Lanka

In this study, the variation of aquatic molluscan diversity concerning seasonal water level fluctuations (WLF) and sediment texture was investigated in some perennial irrigation reservoirs and the associated head headwater streams in the Kala Oya river basin in Sri Lanka. Altogether 11,752 molluscan specimens belonging to 10 gastropod taxa (96.6%) and 2 bivalve taxa (3.4%) were identified. Of these, 11,282 specimens (96.0%) were from reservoir sampling sites and the remainder 470 (4.0%) was from the associated headwater streams. Of the gastropods, the individuals of the genus Melanoides showed the highest distribution index (DI) of 0.75 followed by Bellamya (DI = 0.63) and Thiara (DI = 0.60). The DI of the gastropod molluscs showed a significant positive relationship with their shell size (p < 0.05). Although molluscan diversity and taxa richness were comparatively lower in headwater streams than in reservoir sampling sites, Viviparidae (Bellamya; 0.06±0.03), Bithyniidae (Bithynia; 0.21±0.07) and Thiaridae (Thiara; 4.8±1.9 and Melanoides; 1.1±0.8) showed higher relative abundance (expressed as individuals per dm3) in the headwater streams. The reservoir water level fluctuation showed a significant negative relationship with molluscan taxa richness (p < 0.05), but not with the Shannon-Weaver diversity index (p = 0.073). The distribution of molluscs was also found to be related to the sediment texture where the most abundant gastropod genera Bellamia, Bithynia, and Thiara were widely distributed in sandy substrates in reservoirs and associated streams in the Kala Oya river basin.

Night underwater rides: the activity of a sandy beach gastropod is affected by interactive effects of light availability and water level

ABSTRACT Olivella minuta is an abundant gastropod and important consumer on beach food webs, whose feeding activity was recently demonstrated to be reduced when submerged. Our study aimed to test the interactive effects of water level and light in the activity of O. minuta. Experiments were conducted in the laboratory simulating four conditions: (1) Light, emerged (LE); (2) Dark, emerged (DE); (3) Light, immersed (LI); and (4) Dark, immersed (DI). Our results showed a significant interaction between water level and light variation. During conditions of light availability, the results corroborated our expectations and individuals were less active when immersed. However, individuals showed the highest activity when immersed during lightless conditions. This enhanced activity on dark immersed periods can be explained by optimization of feeding strategy, to benefit from the input of food resources brought by the tide. This could also be an adaptation to avoid predation by visual predators, which needs to be further evaluated. Our results show that patterns of activity of O. minuta may be susceptible to impacts of light pollution and coastal squeezing, and that the interacting effects of light and water level need to be considered in further studies on the behaviour of beach organisms.

Gastropods in the Intertidal Shore of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (Malaysian Borneo)

Intertidal gastropods provide numerous ecological benefits and are responsible for the dynamics of the intertidal shores habitat and its community assemblages. This study examined the community structure of gastropods in the intertidal shore located near the city of Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah where coastal areas are rapidly developed for various purposes and consequently destroying natural habitats. A total of 36 gastropods species from 15 families were recorded. The Planaxis sulcatus was the most abundant species with a density of 480 ind. m-2 followed by Nodilittorina pyramidalis (182 ind. m-2) and Cellana radiata (97 ind. m-2) respectively. The number of species and their abundance, respectively, are almost three times lower than the number ever recorded for intertidal shores located in non-urban areas or remote locations. This suggests that the rapidly growing coastal urban areas threatening the diversity and abundance of intertidal gastropods. The density of gastropod (i.e. P. sulcatus & N. pyramidalis) was significantly (p<0.05) high at the lower intertidal shore where slope gradient is steeper with rocks and crevices are the major component of substrates compared to the upper or middle zone which is flatter and composed mainly of coral rubble and sand. Our study suggests that gastropod communities in intertidal shores located adjacent to the urban areas are threatened especially by anthropogenic factors such as frequent human visitations and modification of natural habitat. Future development in the intertidal shore should minimise habitat destruction and should consider infrastructures that encourage gastropod populations to grow and highlighting their ecological role for conservation reasons.

The Abundance and Distribution of Mangrove Gastropods from Kuala Selangor Nature Park, Selangor

This study reports on the abundance and distribution of mangrove gastropods from Kuala Selangor Nature Park, Malaysia (KSNP). The line transect method with quadrats (5m x 5m) was employed to sample the gastropods. Gastropods were collected from the leaves, branches, stems and roots of trees and the mangrove floor. Nineteen gastropod taxa from seven families were recorded from the Bruguiera, mixed (Bruguiera, Avicennia and Rhizophora), Avicennia and Rhizophora zones. Avicennia sp. recorded the largest Girth at Breast Height (GBH) (mean±sd=37.3±18.2 cm) while Bruguiera sp. recorded the smallest GBH (mean=22.36±8 cm). The overall density of the gastropods at KSNP was 0.85 no/m2. The gastropod density was higher at the Avicennia & Rhizophora zone (150-200m (closer to the mudflats) (0.064±0.084 no/m2) followed by the mixed zone (50-150m) (0.046±0.30 no/m2) and lowest at the Bruguiera zone (0-50m) (0.08±0.080 no/m2) (closer to the coastal bund). Gastropod density between sampling zones did not vary significantly (p>0.05) but generally increased from the bund towards the mudflat edge. Further studies of the role of gastropods in the coastal food chain, as bio-indicators of habitat change and as potential food source for local populace are needed.