IDENTIFIKASI KELIMPAHAN FILUM MOLUSCA DI KAWASAN PERLUASAN KONSERVASI MANGROVE KOTA TARAKAN

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the species composition and abundance of molluscs in the Mangrove and Proboscis Monkey Conservation Area (KKMB) Tarakan City. Data collection was carried out using quantitative descriptive methods with purposive sampling techniques on 22 plots measuring 5×5 m² with a distance between plots of 50 m. Samples were taken at low tide to facilitate species identification based on morphological characteristics. The results of the research showed that there was an imbalance in the structure of the Mollusca community with a strong dominance of the Gastropoda class with 811 individuals (96.20%) consisting of 5 species, while the Bivalvia class only found 32 individuals (3.80%) with one species, namely Kapah Mussels (Gelonia sp). Diversity analysis with the Shannon-Wiener index shows a very low value (H'=0.1618) and a high Simpson dominance index (D=0.9266), indicating the existence of ecological pressure in the ecosystem. Even though its abundance is low, the presence of the Gelonia sp kapah mussel has an important role as a bioindicator of environmental quality and in the nutrient cycle of the mangrove ecosystem. The results of this research emphasize the importance of efforts to improve habitat quality through mangrove rehabilitation and reducing anthropogenic impacts to maintain the ecological balance of conservation areas. This information can be a basis for consideration in developing a more effective management strategy for the Tarakan City KKMB in the future.