Diversity, spatial and seasonal distribution of gastropod molluscs in Taï national park (Côte d’Ivoire): Influence of environmental factors
Paper Details
Diversity, spatial and seasonal distribution of gastropod molluscs in Taï national park (Côte d’Ivoire): Influence of environmental factors
Abstract
Terrestrial gastropod molluscs play a fundamental ecological role in tropical forest ecosystems, notably through litter decomposition, improvement of soil structure, and serve as bioindicators of environmental disturbances. Despite this importance, Taï National Park, a biodiversity hotspot in West Africa, hosts an under-documented invertebrate fauna. In this context, the present study analyzes the diversity as well as the spatial and seasonal distribution of terrestrial gastropod molluscs in Taï National Park (TNP). Through a systematic inventory combining standardized sampling areas of 20,000 m² (200 m long by 100 m wide) and litter sieving, covering different types of forest habitats, carried out from March 2021 to March 2023. A total of 13 species belonging to 7 families were recorded, dominated by Achatinidae (41.18%), Subulinidae (14.86%), Ariophantidae (11.27%), and Uniomidae (10.05%). Species richness is higher in the open understory mixed forest habitat (9 species) and lower in the closed understory mixed forest habitat (5 species). In the FMSO habitat, the Achatinidae family dominates with a relative abundance of 50.47%, with the species Achatina achatina being preponderant (25.07%). In the FSHD environment, Achatinidae remains the majority family (42.9%), with a notable abundance of Euconulidae sp. Conversely, in the FMSF habitat, the Subulinidae family strongly predominates (63.77%), with Striosubulina striatella as the most represented species (41.23%). Temporal abundance shows an abundance of gastropod molluscs in the rainy season with a reduction in the dry season. Overall, these results highlight the crucial importance of humid micro-habitats for the preservation of terrestrial mollusc communities and emphasize their sensitivity to climatic fluctuations. We recommend integrating terrestrial molluscs into ecological monitoring programs and management strategies for Taï National Park.
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Doue Obin*, Memel Jean-Didié, Kouadio Behegbin Habib Herbert, 2026. Diversity, spatial and seasonal distribution of gastropod molluscs in Taï national park (Côte d’Ivoire): Influence of environmental factors. J. Biodiv. Environ. Sci., 28(2), 20-33.
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