Current Status and Seasonal Distribution of Malacofaunal Assemblage in Poba Reserve Forest in Relation to Certain Physico-chemical Parameters

A field survey was conducted for two consecutive years in the aquatic bodies of Poba reserve forest (PRF) to assess the diversity, distribution and status of freshwater mollusc’s species in relation to physico-chemical parameters of habitat water. Sample collection was carried out in 12 randomly selected sampling stations of the reserve forest using quadrate method (1m2 size) for four consecutive seasons viz. pre-monsoon, monsoon, post-monsoon and winter. Physico-chemical analysis of the habitat waters were carried out with standard methods. Altogether 16 species under class Gastropoda and Bivalvia contributing 45.95% and 54.04% to the total population of recorded molluscs were found during the study period. Highest number of species was encountered in the winter season and an overall decline in species count was registered in the monsoon season. Brotia costula was the most abundant species followed by Tarebia lineata. As per the IUCN 3.1 population trends for most of the recorded species were Unknown (UN) except for Bellamya bengalensis, Parreysia corrugata, Parreysia favidens, and Corbicula striatella. Which were found to be stable (ST). Except Parreysia pachysoma and Corbicula striatella rest of the mollusc’s species were found to be frequent in the studied area. Pila globosa was the only rare species in the local context. Analysis of physico-chemistry of habitat water revealed a profound effect on the distribution and abundance of the mollusc’s population of the studied area. Various anthropogenic activities have been affecting the reserve forest during the last few years. Recognition of the region as a potential site for freshwater mollusc species and conservation strazategies are urgently required.