Seasonal variation and diversity of mangrove gastropods from Sandspit backwater mangrove area, Karachi coast
Mushtaq, S.; Yousuf, F.; Baloch, A. (2025). Seasonal variation and diversity of mangrove gastropods from Sandspit backwater mangrove area, Karachi coast. Pakistan Journal of Marine Sciences 34(2): 117–124
In: Pakistan Journal of Marine Sciences. The Marine Reference Collection and Resource Centre, University of Karachi: Karachi. ISSN 1019-8415; e-ISSN 2710-4583, more
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| Keywords |
Species diversity
Temporal variations > Periodic variations > Seasonal variations
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| Author keywords |
Mangrove gastropods, Sandspit backwaters, Karachi coast. |
| Authors | | Top |
- Mushtaq, S.
- Yousuf, F.
- Baloch, A.
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| Abstract |
This study investigates the seasonal variation and diversity of mangrove-associated gastropods in the Sandspit backwater mangrove ecosystem along the Karachi coast from July 2023 to February 2024. Gastropods were sampled across low, mid and high tidal zones during pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. A total of six species belonging to four families and five genera were recorded, with Potamididae being the most dominant family (62.5%), followed by Littorinidae, Ellobiidae, and Onchidiidae. Species richness and abundance were highest in the low-tide zone and showed slight seasonal increases during the post-monsoon period. Diversity indices indicated a moderately diverse but highly even gastropod community (H′ = 1.08; D = 0.337; J′ = 0.990). Comparison with previous studies spanning four decades revealed a marked decline in gastropod richness at Sandspit, suggesting potential environmental degradation, habitat alteration, and anthropogenic pressures. Notably, Littoraria angulifera and Littoraria carinifera were recorded for the first time from this area. The findings provide an updated assessment of gastropod diversity and highlight the need for continued monitoring and conservation of mangrove-associated fauna along the Karachi coast. |
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