Assessment of Conus species (Gastropoda: Conidae) at selected shorelines of Sulu, Philippines
Paper Details
Assessment of Conus species (Gastropoda: Conidae) at selected shorelines of Sulu, Philippines
Abstract
The Philippines is considered to be part of the Coral Triangle, which is known as a biodiversity hotspot for marine life including Conus species, and at the same time holds the most data deficient especially in the Sulu archipelago. Cone snails are unique marine organisms that have rising importance in the field of biomedical research and studies known for its conopeptides or conotoxins. The present study assessed and identified Conus species found at selected shorelines of Sulu, Philippines. There were a total of 22 species recorded on the island. For the local people of Sulu, cone snails were not just valued for their exoskeleton and shell pattern but some sold them for their meat value. Often, market places have available Conus species that are sold. Some locals named Cone snails as “dulaw” and were said to be edible by just boiling the snails. But due to the commercial demand and overexploitation of marine life, Conus species were on the edge of depletion. Lack of implementation and obedience to the laws and regulations were still one of the problems in the conservation and management of marine life and shells. Cone snails, due to its biomedical significance, should be properly managed and harvested sustainably. The data deficiency of Cone snails in the Sulu archipelago proves that these important marine resources should be conserved and watched for future needs.
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