Absolute Abundance of Dominant Freshwater Mollusks of an Irrigation Canal
Marjorie M. Ramirez *
College of Fisheries-Central Luzon State University, 3119 Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines.
Ricardo A. De Guzman
College of Fisheries-Central Luzon State University, 3119 Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines and Pangasinan State University-Binmaley Campus, 2417 Binmaley, Pangasinan, Philippines.
Gedielyn A. Paje
College of Fisheries-Central Luzon State University, 3119 Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines and Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Region 2, 3500 Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines.
Alvin T. Reyes
College of Fisheries-Central Luzon State University, 3119 Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Mollusks are a diverse group of invertebrates that perform fundamental ecological functions within freshwater ecosystems. This study evaluated the absolute abundance of dominant freshwater benthic mollusks in an irrigation canal, utilizing a partial count method across seven established sampling stations. Results revealed that the endemic freshwater snail (Jagora spp.) was the most abundant species, followed by golden apple snail (Pomacea spp.) and freshwater clam (Corbicula spp.), which are both invasive species. Effective monitoring and management strategies are essential to mitigate the adverse effects of the invasive species in their particular environment.
Keywords: Abundance, endemic, freshwater, invasive, irrigation canal, mollusks