Diversity, Abundance and Habitat Preferences of Freshwater and Terrestrial Mollusks in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, India: A Comparative Study
Chiranjeev Pandey
*
Department of Zoology, Government Digvijay Autonomous P.G. College, Rajnandgaon, India.
Sanjay Thiske
Department of Zoology, Government Digvijay Autonomous P.G. College, Rajnandgaon, India.
Majid Ali
Department of Zoology, Government Digvijay Autonomous P.G. College, Rajnandgaon, India.
Akhilesh Kumar Yadav
Department of Zoology, Government Digvijay Autonomous P.G. College, Rajnandgaon, India.
Gurprit Singh Bhatia
Department of Zoology, Government Digvijay Autonomous P.G. College, Rajnandgaon, India.
Ewraj Janghel
Department of Zoology, Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi Govt College Parpodi Dist-Bemetara, India.
Gagan Singh Guru
Department of Zoology, Government Digvijay Autonomous P.G. College, Rajnandgaon, India.
Karuna Rawte
Department of Zoology, Government Digvijay Autonomous P.G. College, Rajnandgaon, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study investigates the diversity and distribution of freshwater mollusks across two distinct aquatic ecosystems: ponds and rivers. Freshwater mollusks, including gastropods and bivalves, serve as vital bioindicators of water quality and ecosystem health. Field surveys were conducted over a six-month period in pond and river habitats within the distinguished study area. A combination of direct sampling techniques such as hand collection and sediment dredging was used to collect specimens from various substrates. Species identification was performed using standard taxonomic keys. The study recorded 18 species belonging to 7 orders and 11 families. Ponds showed a higher density of gastropods, particularly Lymnaea and Pomacea species, while rivers supported a more diverse array of bivalves, including Corbicula and Anodonta species. This research emphasizes the importance of habitat-specific conditions in shaping molluscan communities and offers valuable insights into the ecological roles of these organisms in freshwater ecosystems. The findings contribute to broader efforts in biodiversity conservation and the sustainable management of freshwater habitats.
Keywords: Freshwater mollusks, diversity, gastropods, bivalves, aquatic ecosystems, habitat assessment