Molluscs' Composition and Distribution in Mangroves of the Cameroon Central Coast
Ernest Flavien Kotte-Mapoko1, Vanessa Maxemillie Ngo-Massou1, Leopold Guillaume Essome-Koum1, Jean Michel Emane1, Laurant Nyamsi Moussian1, Richelieu Tchoffo1, Ndongo Din1*
Citation :Ernest Flavien Kotte-Mapoko,et.al, Molluscs' Composition and Distribution in Mangroves of the Cameroon Central Coast International Journal of Research Studies in Biosciences 2017,5(5) : 4-13
Mangroves play relevant roles in coastal communities. Despite their high values, they suffered from human pressures which have caused biodiversity reduction and death of species unable to adapt to change. This survey aims to evaluate the diversity of mangrove molluscs, determine their distribution within stands and identify potential biological indicators in relation with the level of mangrove depletion. Study areas were selected between Limbe and Kribi. Transects were opened perpendicularly to the main channels. Molluscs were identified or encoded and counted within 1 x 1 m2 quadrats. More than 14,400 individuals grouped into 34 species and 15 families were recorded. With 8 species, Neritinidae was the most species richness while Pachymelaniidae and Pachymelania fusca was respectively the most abundant family (54.5%) and species (26.6%). The highest species richness was obtained in Yoyo (MI = 2.8) while Douala has shown the highest abundance (166.7±74 ind. m-2) and species diversity (H' = 3.38). The census increased the Cameroun mangrove molluscs composition with five undetermined species, a Pachymelania sp. and two identified species. Three species (P. fusca, Tympanotonus fuscatus and T.radula) appeared tolerant to mangrove degradation while eleven others seemed to be adapted only to their local conditions.