Functional Diversity of Mangrove-associated Gastropods in the Mangrove Areas of Barangay Pagatpatan and Lumbocan, Butuan City

Abstract

The Philippines’ extensive coastline and mangrove forests have played a crucial role in biodiversity conservation and coastal protection. The present study aimed to assess the gastropod diversity within the rehabilitated mangrove forests of Barangays Pagatpatan and Lumbocan, Butuan City. It also assessed the correlation of water quality, selected sediment edaphic parameters, and mangrove features to the abundance of gastropods. The analyses showed consistent water pH levels within the DENR DAO 2016-08 standard for Class B marine waters, along with fluctuating dissolved oxygen (DO) and spatial variations in total dissolved solids (TDS) and salinity. Soil pH also varied, along with differences in organic matter, phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) levels. A total of five mangrove species and ten gastropod species, including Cerithidea quoyii, were identified across six stations. Among the five gastropod families, the Neritidae family was present in both mangrove ecosystems. Pagatpatan showed higher species richness and diversity than Lumbocan. Faunus ater was most abundant and closely linked to the growth of Avicennia marina and Rhizophora mucronata, with its presence likely influenced by sensitivity to pH and humidity. This relationship significantly contributes to the variation explained by Principal Component Analysis (PCA 1), indicating that F. ater plays a major role in differentiating sampling stations. The findings underscore the importance of habitat integrity and biodiversity conservation to guide mangrove management strategies.