Abstract:
The gastropod community is very important as a component in the food chain and decomposition in mangrove ecosystems. This study aims to describe the structure of the gastropod community (species composition, distribution pattern, density, and diversity index) in the mangrove ecosystem on Padaidori Island, Padaido Islands, Biak Numfor Regency. There were two stations selected for sampling. The sampling period for gastropods took place in August-September 2021 using the line transect and quadrat method. Sampling of gastropods was carried out at low tide. Results Based on the research, there were 12 gastropod species belonging to six families (Cerithiidae, Ellobiidae, Littorinidae, Muricidae, Neritidae, dan Potamididae). Generally, the species were found in the bottom substrate and roots of mangrove vegetation, except for Littoraria scabra which was also found on the stems and leaves of mangroves. High density was found in L. scabra (3.85-6.24 ind.m-2) and Cerithium coralium (4.18-4.36 ind./m-2), the density for each station was 12.73 ind.m-2 (station 1) and 9.97 ind.m-2 (station 2). The distribution pattern of gastropod species is generally clustered. The index of diversity, evenness, and dominance at the two stations was 1.271-1.344, 0.579-0.646, and 0.334-0.366. This condition illustrates that the gastropod community at both stations is relatively stable. Various parameters in this gastropod community can change due to disturbances and utilization activities. Therefore, this information about the gastropod community can be used as an indicator for monitoring changes in the condition of the mangrove ecosystem.
