Diversity of Gastropod and Bivalve Molluscs in Kaisu Mangrove Forest of Sarmi Regency, Papua Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Molluscs are an important part of the mangrove ecosystem. Scientific information related to gastropods and Bivalvia in Kaisu mangrove is not known. Thus, this study aims at identifying the diversity of molluscs (gastropod and Bivalvia) in Kaisu mangrove forest. This study has used descriptive method with observation techniques. The observation station was determined using purposive sampling considering the zonation of mangrove vegetation. The taken data were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively based on each parameter. The results of the study show that, in Kaisu mangrove forest of Bongga District, Sarmi Regency, 10 species of molluscs were identified with 1804 individuals consisting of 8 species of gastropoda (Telescopium telescopium, Steno melani, Nerita articulate, Ellobiumaurisjudae, Cheritidea obtuse, Indothais gradate, Spherassimineamimata, Littorariamelanostoma) and 2 species of Bivalvia (Geloinaexpansa, Anumalocardisquamasa). The dominance index of the mollusca species of this mangrove forest was 0.74, indicating the dominance of Telescopium telescopium with species diversity index of 0.27 (low category) and a species evenness index of 0.32 (low category).