Microhabitat and seasonal influences on terrestrial mollusc communities in a reforested secondary forest, south-eastern Côte d’Ivoire
Paper Details
Microhabitat and seasonal influences on terrestrial mollusc communities in a reforested secondary forest, south-eastern Côte d’Ivoire
Abstract
Terrestrial mollusks play a key role in litter decomposition and are also excellent bioindicators of environmental quality. The aim of this study was to investigate variation in microhabitats and seasonal changes in terrestrial molluscs. Sampling was used using the quadrat methode. The different strata were microhabitats such as in the soil (IS), on the sol and/or in litter (S/L), on wood or tree trunks (W/T) and on leaves (L). Results showed that species richness was highest in S/L (1-15 species) and IS (1-11 species), while it remained low on leaves (1-2 species). Communities were relatively even in DS and S/L, with median equitability values exceeding 0.8. Most microhabitats were dominated by Subulinidae, in DS, S/L and W/T, with abundances of 85.48% in IS, 76.51% in S/L and 93.50% in W/T. Taxonomic richness was high in S/L and IS in all seasons. In S/L microhabitats, the equitable distribution of molluscs was greater in all seasons except the dry season, when it was greater on leaves. This study shows that the type of microhabitat and the season have a considerable influence on the composition and diversity of molluscs. Therefore, in order to maintain this diversity, it is important to protect these microhabitats through forest conservation.
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