Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

OCCURRENCE OF MOLLUSCAN SPECIES AT VILLAGE PONDS IN PUNJAB STATE: AN ECOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

G.S. Sekhon, R.K. Aulakh and T.K. Kler

Abstract

Freshwater ponds existing in agro-ecosystems provide habitat niches for a wide variety of animal taxa particularly macro-invertebrates. The present study was carried out to evaluate the occurrence, abundance and diversity of malacofauna in relation to water quality parameters and habitat characteristics at three selected ponds in district Ludhiana, Punjab. Two species of phylum Mollusca namely horntail snail Macrochlamys indica Benson, 1832 and tropical leatherback slug Laevicaulis alte (Ferussac, 1822) belonging to class Gastropoda were recorded. The total density of Mollusca species was 9.0, 9.0 and 3.75 individuals/m2 at pond A, B and C respectively. Shannon Weiner Index was higher for pond A for both summer and monsoon seasons. Simpson’s Diversity Index was higher for pond C in both said seasons. Correlation analysis showed positive correlation of species richness with water temperature and ambient temperature: pH and BOD had negative correlation with species richness. The presence of molluscan species in pond habitats in agricultural areas are indicative of water quality and habitat heterogeneity. Therefore it is mandatory to undertake research work to identify the prevailing biodiversity associated with pond habitats. Diversity of macro invertebrates like mollusks might be considered as one of the significant features reflecting health of village ponds.