1

CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

The classification of macroinvertebrates known as benthic

macrofauna consists of organisms that reside on or close to the bottom of

aquatic environments, particularly in sedimentary layers. These organisms

are essential to sustaining biodiversity and preserving the health of

mangrove ecosystems. They comprise invertebrate species including

worms, mollusks, crustaceans, and others that are essential to the

decomposition of organic matter, sediment stability, and nutrient cycling.

Since their activities affect soil aeration, encourage plant growth, and serve

as a vital food source for fish and bird species, benthic macrofauna are

crucial to preserving the general structure and function of mangrove

environments. Benthic macrofauna are dependable biological markers used

to monitor mangrove ecosystems. They can show early indicators of

environmental stress or degradation since they react sensitively to changes

in pollution levels, habitat modifications, and water quality. Monitoring

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these creatures provides important information about the resilience and

ecological health of mangrove habitats (Fong and Nou, 2001).

The benthic macrofauna residing established at the foot of the

mangrove region are particularly affected directly by the ecological function

of mangrove. The mangrove ecosystem serves as the primary habitat for

benthic macrofaunas, and as they can reflect changes in environmental

conditions, they can be utilized as a gauge of the quality of the aquatic

environment. The trait composition of benthic communities can aid in

understanding community dynamics and their effects on ecosystem

functions such as nutrient cycling, primary and secondary production,

changes in sediment properties, as well as the dynamics and stability of the

ecosystem (Noviatri et al., 2020).

The soft-bottom macrofauna plays an important role in marine

ecosystems, being involved in nutrient cycling, the metabolism and

dispersal of pollutants, as well as burial of sediments and secondary

production. Benthic community studies are therefore of great interest for

analyzing the structure and evolution of coastal ecosystems. While the

macrobenthos allow us to characterize marine habitats, sedimentary

characteristics are also essential in the description of seabed systems, for

its key role in controlling the distribution of benthic species. It has been
 3

traditionally assumed that the distribution of macrofauna is mainly related

to the nature of the sediment. However, this relationship is of variable

importance, and grain size also appears to play a crucial role benthic macro-

faunas use the mangrove ecosystem as the main habitat and they can

reflect the changes of environmental factors, so they can be used as an

indicator of aquatic environmental quality (Gimenez et al., 2014).

Examining the benthic macrofauna in Sta. Maria Davao Occidental. Gaining

an understanding of these features of mangrove ecosystems can close

knowledge gaps and offer insightful information for conservation,

management, and sustainability initiatives. The goal of this study is to

improve the management and protection of mangrove environments by

addressing present gaps in our knowledge of benthic macrofauna.

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Objectives of the Study

This study aimed to provide vital information on the species

composition and diversity of benthic macrofauna in the selected coastal

Barangays of Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental. Specifically, it aims to;

1. Determine the species composition of benthic macrofauna found in

the selected study sites;

2. Determine the population density and abundance of benthic

macrofauna found in the study site;

3. Calculate the species diversity, evenness and dominance of benthic

macrofauna found in the study site; and,

4. Determine the mangrove density on the study area.

5. Correlate density of mangroves and density of benthic macrofauna

6. Measure the level of physico-chemical parameters such as

temperature, Ph and salinity.

Significance of the study

This study is focused only on the assessment of benthic macrofauna

of mangrove forest. The result of this study were beneficial to the following
 5

institution: (1) Department of Environment and Natural Resources

(DENR) to provide with baseline on benthic macrofauna in mangrove forest

in study area of Sta. Maria Davao Occidental (2) Southern Philippines

Agri-Business and Marine Aquatic School of Technology.

(SPAMAST) since it can generate information to understand the ecological

importance of benthic macrofauna in our ecosystem (3) further, to provide

insight of knowledge to SPAMAST students that engage in diversity of

benthic macrofauna in mangrove forest and the understanding about this

study.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

This study is focused on the economically important benthic

macrofauna found within the mangrove forest in Kisulad and Sto. Rosario,

Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental. Determination of benthic macrofauna

productivity is limited only to the species found in the study area, Benthic

macrofauna found in the quadrats were handpicked from the surface of

substrate by using a hand shovel. This study followed one shot sampling

and was conducted in Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental.

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Definition of Terms

Community Structure – Refers to the composition, organization, and

interactions within a biological community, encompassing species

presence, abundance, trophic, relationships, spatial distribution and

function traits (Morin et al., 2011).

Density- Measures the number of individuals or unit per unit area or

volume, describing population size or abundance and influencing

resource competition, species interactions and ecosystem

processes (Begon et al., 2006).

Macroinvertebrates- Aquatic animals with no backbone which can be

seen even without the aid of microscope (Plafkin, 1985).

Mangroves - Common name for any several species of inshore tropical

trees or shrubs that dominate the mangal associations (Nybakken,

1982).

Population – A population is the complete set group of individuals,

whether that group comprises a nation or a group of people with

common characteristics (Osikhotsali Momoh 2023).

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Quadrat - It refers to the metered black twine squares of 10m x 10m

used to identify the many types of mollusks and mangroves present

in the study region, (Astang, 2007).

Sapling - Number of saplings stand (girth less than 4cm and greater than

1m tall) of each mangrove species present (Biddick et al., 2005).

Size – The process of comparing or measuring objects, which results in

the determination of the magnitude of a quantity, such as length or

mass, relative to a unit of measurement. Such a magnitude is

usually expressed as a numerical value of units on a previously

established spatial scale, such as meters or inches (Smoryński,

2008).

Species Abundance - Is the number of individuals per species, and

relative abundance refers to the evenness of distribution of

individuals among species in a community. Two communities may

be equally rich in species but differ in relative abundance (Booth et

al., 2003).

Species Density - The number of individuals of a specific species that

are present inside a certain sampling unit or study region is referred

to as the population size in plant ecology. A vegetation survey

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frequently uses density to characterize a species' place in a plant

group (Bonham, 2013).

Species Diversity - It has two components: richness and evenness.

Richness is the number of species in the community, whereas

evenness is a measure of relative abundances. These two

components can be represented by rank-abundance curves and by

diversity indices (Booth et al., 2003).

Transect Line - Can be used in areas of all densities of mangroves forest.

Lines are established with the 100 meters from the seaward margin

of the forest, at right angles to the edge of the mangroves forest

(Biddick et al., 2005).

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CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Macrofaunal Communities

Mangrove habitats provide a variety of ecological purposes and

sustain a wide range of communities, making them essential to the health

of the coast. These plant species in turn sustain a wide variety of animal

species, including fish, crabs, birds, and mammals. High plant diversity

increases the complexity of the ecosystem, which is essential for

maintaining diverse faunal communities Chatterjee, S., et al., 2024.

Mangroves perform a number of crucial ecological roles. By serving

as organic barriers against storm surges, they lessen coastal erosion and

preserve habitats that are located inland. They also have a big impact on

carbon sequestration, which is crucial for reducing climate change since

they store carbon in their biomass and sediments. In addition to improving

the quality of the water by capturing sediments and filtering pollutants,

mangroves serve as breeding and nursery grounds for a variety of marine

animals, including fish and crustaceans that are significant to the global

economy (Baker et al., 2021).

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But mangroves are threatened in many ways. Loss and

fragmentation of habitat are caused by urbanization and development for

infrastructure, tourism, and agriculture. Harmful compounds are introduced

by pollution from metropolitan areas and agricultural runoff, which affects

the health of mangroves and water quality. Additional hazards are

associated with climate change, as mangrove survival and biodiversity are

threatened by increasing sea levels, increased salinity, and shifting

temperature regimes.

Furthermore, the unsustainable exploitation of non-timber items

and mangrove wood depletes resources and upsets the natural equilibrium

of the environment (Philips et al., 2017).

Through their interactions with the substrate and the mangrove

vegetation, benthic macrofauna play important roles in mangrove

ecosystems. By decomposing organic debris, these organisms improve the

availability of nutrients in mangrove sediments, hence promoting plant

growth and ecosystem production. This process is known as nutrient

cycling. Mangroves' roots and pneumatophores serve as a substrate and a

haven for a variety of macrofaunal species, including polychaetas as

mollusks, and crabs, which add to the habitat's structural complexity.

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In addition, a variety of benthic creatures support a variety of

consumers, such as fish and birds, by feeding on debris and decaying

mangrove leaves. This process links primary production to higher trophic

levels. Certain crabs and polychaetas are examples of burrowing creatures

that contribute to soil structure maintenance and aeration, both of which

are essential for robust root systems and overall ecosystem resilience

(Spalding et al., 2023.

Species Community Structure

Benthic communities are directly affected by reclamation and

dredging activities. Consequently, macro benthic communities are widely

used as an important bioindicator to monitor and assess changes in

estuarine and marine environments due to coastal modification in many

parts of the world. However, the use of macro benthic invertebrates to

assess the extent of environmental impacts associated with dredging and

reclamation activities on coastal and marine ecosystems (Francescangeli et

al., 2020)

In the Hara Biosphere Reserve, Northern Persian Gulf, the benthic

macrofauna community composition and connections between

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physiochemical water parameters and sediment texture were evaluated.

During two sampling seasons between August 2014 and January 2015, the

geographical distribution and diversity of macrobenthos were examined

within three distinct mangrove zones (deltaic, island, and coastal). To cover

the entire study area, nine transects perpendicular to the coastline were

chosen. Three replicate sediment samples were used to count all

macrofauna from each zone and station (Craig, 2019).

Within the same mangrove forest, benthic macrofaunal populations

might differ from habitat to habitat. They frequently display a particular

pattern of zonation both horizontally and vertically. According to Ghasemi,

M., et al., 2020. Different types of mangroves have varied distributions of

macrofaunal abundance and diversity Deposit feeders made up the majority

of the macrofauna, which was quantitatively dominated by oligochaetes and

capitellid polychaetes. Differences in the composition and abundance along

the sampling sites for both components were notable, although they

weren't primarily due to the typical fluctuations along estuaries, like salinity.

The detritus biomass (ash-free dry weight), according to the results of the

stepwise multiple regression analyses, was the most significant predictor of

faunal densities and diversity.

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The meiofauna appeared to be highly effective at utilizing the micro-

habitat that the presence of the detritus had created, according to the clear

association between detritus and fauna and the disparate community

structures of the two benthos components. However, the macrofauna, who

may be the primary consumers of the debris, suffers from their low

palatability and low nutritional content. The findings also revealed notable

variances in the community along the mangrove for both the meiofauna

and macrofauna, in addition to a marked contrast in the structure of the

two parts of the benthic fauna Ghasemi, M., et al., 2020.

Macrofauna abundance

The stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that detritus

biomass and sediment composition were the primary determinants of

changes in the number of species and overall abundance of the benthic

fauna. The detritus biomass was also the primary predictive variable for the

major nematode species and macro benthic taxa (Netto et al., 2003).

One of the most crucial functional groups in such woods is the

benthic macrofaunal community. They play important roles in bridging the

gap between top predators and primary producers (Sheaves & Molony,
 14

2000), promoting the breakdown of organic matter through feeding

activities and providing a route for nutrients, oxygen, and other water

column constituents via bioturbation (Stieglitz et al., 2000). In addition, the

fauna contains keystone species that alter the dynamics of the forest and

thus have an indirect impact on other members of the community. Benthic

macrofauna ecosystem functions depend on community composition, but

little is understood about the processes that control species abundances in

the community.

As a result of the various physical characteristics of each

microhabitat, we hypothesize that the architecture of the benthic faunal

communities varies among them. As a result, in three microhabitats of a

mangrove forest the tidal creek, inside the forest (mangrove cover present),

and the canopy gap (mangrove cover absent)—we examined variations in

the structure of the community composition and evaluated the mechanisms

underlying the formation of distinct patterns of the benthic macrofaunal

community (Kon et al., 2011).

Benthic macrofauna varied in their numerical abundance and

biomass according to the microhabitats; both values were highest in canopy

gaps and rose throughout the rainy season. Despite seasonal variations, the

three microhabitats had different species compositions; the bulk of the

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animals were surface deposit feeders from the epifauna. Because of the

differences in their physical characteristics, each microhabitat performed

differently. In mangrove ecosystems, a variety of functional microhabitats

are combined to generate a diversified benthic faunal community. This

suggests that microhabitat heterogeneity should be taken into account as

a significant element impacting the structuring of a benthic community (Kon

et al., 2011).

The macrofauna form an essential link between the primary detritus

at the base of the food chain and the consumers at higher trophic levels

because they play a significant role in nutrient cycling and serve as a

significant source of food for larger creatures. By improving sediment

oxygen penetration and by encouraging the activities of the microbial

communities, they also promote the breakdown of organic materials. The

primary and secondary production, the production of commercial fish

species, the transfer and cycling of nutrients, and other significant

ecosystem services offered by the mangrove habitat would all be directly

impacted by any changes to the benthic communities (Levin et al., 2001).

These benthic macrofauna offer numerous benefits. Ecological processes

are crucial for conservation efforts connecting top predators and primary

producers, promoting the breakdown of organic materials and nutrient

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absorption the sediment by nutrient cycling through trophic processes. The

creation of channels for water, nutrients, oxygen, and other substances to

mix with the sediment Austen et al., 2002). Furthermore, human activities'

interactions with habitat characteristics, physicochemical variables, and

structural and hydrological features also affect their distribution; as a result,

modifications to water body features, habitat, and environmental resources

have a significant impact on benthic community distribution patterns

(Bassey, 2020).

Changes in their habitats can result from disturbances like human

activity and environmental conditions, which in turn can modify the species

composition of macrobenthic communities (Lee et al., 2006). In order to

evaluate the health of marine ecosystems, marine macrobenthos are

frequently utilized as ecological indicators (Ni et al., 2019; Dimitriou et al.,

2020; Dong et al., 2021). The profusion of fauna that depends on the

mangrove ecosystem demonstrates the importance of the mangrove

ecosystem for life. The fall-mangrove leaves will be broken down by

microorganisms into a basic component of organic matter, which will then

be used as a source of food for the local wildlife (Yolanda et al., 2015)
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The Conceptual Framework of the Study

The conceptual framework designates the study areas in Sta.Maria,

Davao Occidental as the independent variable, reflecting the diverse

environmental conditions across the selected locations. The dependent

variables consist of key ecological related to benthic macrofauna and

mangrove density, particularly species composition, relative density, and

relative frequency. These variables serve as indicators for evaluating the

richness, distribution patterns, and population structure of species within

each site. The framework aimed to determined how spatial differences

within Sta. Maria Davao Occidental affect the ecological attributes of benthic

macrofauna and mangrove habitats

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DEPENDENT VARIABLES INDEPENDENT VARIABLES

 Species composition
Sampling Sites  Species diversity
 Kisulad  Species density
 Sto. Rosario  Relative abundance
 Evenness
 Dominance

MODERATING VARIABL

Physicochemical
Parameters
 pH
 Temperature
 Salinity

Fig. 1. The systematic diagram presents the Relationship between

independent, dependent variables and moderating variables of the
study.

Hypothesis

Ho1: There is no significant difference in the density of benthic macrofauna

between study areas.

Ho2: There is significant relationship between benthic macrofauna and

mangroves in study areas.

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CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

Research Locale

The Municipality of Sta. Maria is a second-class Municipality in the

province of Davao Occidental with a total population of 57,526 (PHILATLAS,

2020). The study was conducted in the two selected coastal barangays,

namely: Kisulad (6º 31 North, 125º 33 East), and Sto. Rosario (6º 31 North,

125º 32 East).

Kisulad has a total population of 1,222 local settlers which presented

2.41% of the total population of Sta. Maria. Sto. Rosario had a total

population of 1466 local settler and it also presented 2.55% of the total

population of Sta. Maria (PHILATLAS, 2020).

Kisulad and Sto. Rosario is a coastal region with a long shoreline,

which makes it useful for research on the use of coastal land for tourism,

fishing and agriculture. The landscape that these barangays share is

favorable for farming and fishing, two important sources of income that

improve the local economy.

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Fig 2. Map of Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental, Brgy Kisulad and Sto. Rosario

Research Design

This study utilized a descriptive research design and quantitative

methods to examine the distribution of various variables without

establishing causal relationships or testing hypotheses. Specifically, the

study assessed the relative abundance and diversity, species composition,

evenness and dominance, and density of benthic macrofauna in Kisulad

and Sto. Rosario, Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental. The transect plot method,
 21

as outlined by English et al. (1997), was employed to evaluate the

diversity of both mangroves and macrofauna in the study area.

Determination of Population Density and Abundance

The transect quadrat method of English et al. (1997) was used to

determine the abundance, density, and diversity of benthic macrofauna in

the mangrove areas of Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental. Three transects, each

measuring 50 meters, were laid perpendicular to the shoreline. Along each

transect, three 10×10 meter quadrats were established, with 2.5 meters on

each side of the transect line. Every individual found within the 2.5-meter

width on either side of the transect was counted.

Species encountered were identified based on their morphological

features, following the work of Dolorosa et al. (2015). The validation of

species names and taxonomic authorities was done using the World

Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) and Horton et al. (2021). SeaLifeBase

was also consulted for further species verification (Pauly et al., 2023).
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Species Procedure

A permit request letter was submitted to the barangay officials to

obtain approval for conducting sampling activities at the designated sites.

A preliminary ocular survey was carried out in the mangrove areas of Sto.

Rosario and Kisulad to determine the appropriate locations for establishing

sampling plots. Three plots, each measuring 10 m × 10 m, were established

at each site, with a 10-meter interval between plots. A global positioning

system (GPS)-enabled mobile device was used to locate and record the

exact coordinates of each plot.

Data Analysis

The following indices was used to determine the density and

abundance of mangroves:
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Relative Density

All individuals of benthic macrofauna found in each quadrat were

counted and their density was calculated using the formula of English et al.

(1994).

No. of individuals of a species

Relative Density = x 100
Total no. of individulas (all species)

Relative Abundance

The relative abundance of benthic macrofauna was estimated using

the formula provided by Odum (1971).

Relative Abundance

𝑁o. of individuals of a species

= x 100
Total no. of individulas (all species)
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Density

The density of mangroves in the study area was determined using

the formula of English et al. (1994).

No. of individuals of a species

Density =
Total area sampled (in hectares)

Shannon’s Diversity Index

To determine the Diversity Index of the benthic macrofauna, the

Shannon-Wiener diversity and Evenness formulas developed by Shannon

and Wiener (1948) were used. The formula below was applied to calculate

the diversity index of the mangroves at the sampling stations.

𝑠
′
𝐻 = ∑ 𝑝𝑖 (𝑙𝑜𝑔2 𝑝𝑖)
𝑖=1

1
𝐻 ′ = 𝐶(𝑙𝑜𝑔10 𝑁 − ∑ 𝑛𝑖 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 𝑛𝑖 )
𝑁

𝑛𝑖 (𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑛𝑖 )
𝐻 ′ = 3.322 (𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑁 − ∑ )
𝑁

Wherein,
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Σ = summation

N = total number of individuals of all species

ni = number of individuals of a species

C= conversion factor log10 to log2

Index of Dominance

The Index of Dominance of the macrofauna species

in the study area was determined using the formula of

Odum (1971).

𝐶 = ∑(𝑛𝑖 / 𝑁)2

Where:

C= index of Dominance

ni= number of individuals per species

N= total number of individuals of all species

Index of Evenness

The formula proposed by (English et al., 1994) was used to

calculate the evenness of benthic macrofauna found in the area.

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𝐸 = 𝐻`/𝐿𝑜𝑔(𝑆)

Where: E = evenness

H`= Diversity index

S = total number of macrofauna species

Determination of the Physicochemical Parameters

A YSI multiparameter meter was employed to measure the

physico-chemical parameters of water quality, including pH,

salinity, and temperature, in Kisulad, Sta. Maria Davao Occidental

These parameters were recorded on the same day as the data

collection.

Statistical Analysis

A Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine significant differences

in benthic macrofaunal density between sampling stations. Further,

Pearson’s correlation test was utilized to compute for the relationship

between mangroves and macrofaunal density. The variables were tested at

0.05 significance level.

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CHAPTER IV

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Macrofauna Species Composition

There were nineteen (19) species of macroinvertebrates found in

Barangay Sto. Rosario and Kisulad, Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental, namely:

Saxidomus nutalli, Cerithium caeruleum, Nerita albicilla, Ozius trancatus,

Aratus pisonii, Tegillera granosa, Cardita granulate, Chicoreus capucinus,

Sulcate swamp cerith, Ellobium aurisjudae, Lophiotoma polytropa,

Telescopium telescopium, Cerithiadea cingulate, Littoraria intermedia,

Tegula verrucosa, Littoraria scabra, Barbatia obliguata, Angaria Delphinus,

Clypeomorus moniliferus.

In this study, Sto. Rosario demonstrated higher benthic macrofaunal

diversity, with 17 species identified, compared to only 9 species recorded in

Kisulad. This finding aligns with existing research on mangrove ecosystems,

which shows that areas with stable sediment composition and higher levels

of organic matter generally support more diverse macrofaunal communities.

Prakash et al., 2017. Reported that both sediment stability and organic

carbon levels positively influence the diversity and abundance of benthic

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macroinvertebrates. These factors likely contribute to the more favorable

environmental conditions in Sto. Rosario, making it a more suitable habitat

for a wider range of species.

Table 1. Species composition of macrofauna found in barangay Kisulad and

Sto. Rosario Sta. Maria Davao Occidental

Local Sto.
Species Common Name Name Kisulad Rosario
Angaria Common Batek-
delpinus delphinula batek √ √
Alimango
Mangrove tree sa
Aratus pisonii crab bakawan √ X
Barbatia
obliguta Oblique ark clam kagkag X √
Cardita Granulated
granulate cardita Kabibi X √
Cerithiadea
ongulate Girldled cerith Suso X √
Cerithium
caeruleum Cerith sand snail Suso √ X
Chicoreus
capunicus Mangrove murex Bagongon X √
Clypeomorus
moniliferus Beaded cerith Suso √ √
Ellobium Judas ear Suso sa
aurisjudae cassidula bakawan X √
Littoraria Intermidiate Suso sa
intermedia periwinkle bakawan X √
Littoraria Mangrove Suso sa
scabra prewinkle bakawan X √
Lophitoma Many keeled
polytropa turrid Suso X √
 29

Suso sa
Nerita albicilla Blotched nerite bato √ X
Ozius Truncated shore Alimango
trancatus crab sa bato √ X
Saxidumos
nutalli Washington dam Kabibi √ X
Sulcate Sulcateswamp Suso sa
swamp cerith cerith bakawan X √
Tegillera
granosa Blood cockle Litob X √
Tegula
verrucosa Warty top shell Suso X √
Telescopium
Telescopium Telescope snail Timbungan X √

Legend:
√= present
X= absence

On the other hand, Kisulad's lower species richness characterized by

the presence of only a few species such as Aratus pisonii, Ozius trancatus,

and Saxidomus nuttalli may be attributed to environmental stressors such

as unstable substrates and frequent physical disturbances. Supporting this,

a study by Marcos et al., 2020. On Philippine mangroves found that sites

exposed to high tidal energy and unstable ground conditions tend to exhibit

reduced species richness due to the harsh conditions limiting faunal

survival. Increased tidal activity can cause significant physical disturbance,

 30

negatively impacting more sensitive species and restricting overall

biodiversity.

The macrofaunal species found in Sto. Rosario, including mollusks

like Barbatia obliguata, Cardita granulate, Littoraria intermedia, Tegula

verrucosa, and Telescopium telescopium, are commonly associated with

mangrove and intertidal environments. These species are well-suited to

areas with stable, organic rich sediments Sreenivasan et al., 2018. Further

support this, indicating that species like Tegula verrucosa flourish in

mangrove habitats with abundant organic matter and minimal physical

disruption. The greater species richness in Sto. Rosario is therefore likely a

result of its favorable ecological conditions, which support a more complex

and stable macrofaunal community.

In Kisulad faunal assemblage, dominated by hardy species such as

Aratus pisonii and Ozius trancatus, suggests an environment under greater

ecological stress, with limited structural complexity. Species like Aratus

pisonii are adapted to tolerate high tidal fluctuations and disturbed habitats

Marcos et al., 2020 conditions which tend to exclude less resilient species

and contribute to lower overall diversity.

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Environmental disturbances are well documented as major factors

influencing the structure of benthic communities. Areas that frequently

experience erosion, wave action, or human induced pressures often show

a marked decline in macrofaunal diversity. Horton et al., 2021 observed that

anthropogenic impacts, including coastal development and resource

exploitation, significantly reduce habitat complexity and, as a result,

macrofaunal diversity.

Macroinvertebrates Abundance and Density

Abundance

The relative abundance of macroinvertebrates observed in Barangay

Sto. Rosario underscores the significant impact of local environmental

conditions including substrate composition, tidal patterns, and salinity levels

on species distribution within mangrove ecosystems.

In this assessment, Telescopium telescopium was identified as the

most abundant species, comprising 14.24% of the total count. This

dominance aligns with its ecological preference for muddy, organic-rich

 32

substrates, typically found in relatively undisturbed mangrove zones. As

noted by Sahu et al., 2016 such environments provide optimal conditions

for T. telescopium's feeding and burrowing behaviors due to the abundance

of fine sediments and detritus.

Littoraria scabra showed the lowest relative abundance, at 0.84%.

This gastropod is known to favor upper intertidal areas and is commonly

found on mangrove trunks and roots habitats that may be limited in the

surveyed site. According to Tan and Ng (2020), L. scabra tends to be less

common in frequently submerged areas, which likely explains its low

presence in this location.

30.00
25.00
20.00
15.00
10.00
5.00
0.00

Kisaulad Sto. Rosario

Fig 3. Species Relative Abundance of macrofauna in the two study sites

(%)
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These patterns support the findings of Marcos et al., 2020 who

emphasized that the diversity and structure of macroinvertebrate

communities are closely linked to factors such as tidal exposure, sediment

type, and human induced disturbances, including habitat alteration and

mangrove deforestation. Such stressors often favor more resilient species

while reducing the overall diversity of macrofaunal populations.

In Barangay Kisulad, Clypeomorus moniliferus dominated the

macroinvertebrate community, comprising 32.88% of the observed

population. This species thrives in intertidal zones with sandy or muddy

grounds that support detritus and algae, which serve as its food sources

(Houbrick, 1985). Meanwhile, Angaria delphinus was the least common,

making up only 1.08%, potentially due to its reliance on coral rubble and

rocky environments, which may not be prominent in Kisulad.

These findings highlight how habitat diversity and species-specific

ecological needs influence macroinvertebrate populations. Moreover, they

underscore the value of these organisms as biological indicators for

assessing environmental conditions and ecosystem health.

 34

Density

The population density of macroinvertebrates showed notable

differences between the two study sites. In Barangay Sto. Rosario,

Telescopium telescopium had the highest density at 2.67 individuals per

square meter, while Littoraria scabra exhibited the lowest density at just

0.16 individuals/m². A similar trend was observed in Barangay Kisulad,

where Clypeomorus moniliferus reached the highest density at 2.71

individuals/m², while Angaria delphinus was the least abundant with only

0.09 individuals/m². These variations can be linked to the specific ecological

needs and environmental tolerances of each species, particularly in relation

to factors such as sediment type, tidal exposure, and salinity levels. Recent

research by Alolor (2023) and Olotu et al., 2024. Emphasizes that

macroinvertebrate distribution is strongly influenced by local environmental

conditions, with species density often reflecting the stability and suitability

of the substrate and hydrological conditions within mangrove ecosystems.

Sampling was conducted during low tide, which allowed for optimal

visibility and easy access to the intertidal zones for data collection. The

study areas consisted of expansive muddy and sandy flats, bordered by

 35

dense mangrove stands, primarily Rhizophora and Avicennia. These

mangrove habitats are crucial for many benthic macroinvertebrates,

providing essential feeding areas, shelter, and breeding grounds Alongi,

2002 Cannicci et al., 2015.

Species Density of Macrofauna (m²)

3.00 2.71 2.67
2.47 2.38
2.50
2.04 2.04 2.09
1.89 1.93
2.00 1.76

1.50 1.22

1.00 0.80
0.51 0.58
0.42
0.50 0.29 0.29 0.27
0.09 0.13 0.16
0.00

Kisulad Sto. Rosario

Fig 4. Species density of macrofauna (m2) found in barangay Kisulad and

Sto. Rosario Davao Occidental.

Throughout the sampling period, the weather remained stable, with

moderate temperatures and minimal rainfall, which facilitated consistent

and uninterrupted fieldwork. Minor differences in salinity levels and

substrate composition between Sto. Rosario and Kisulad likely influenced

 36

the observed species-specific population patterns. Given that

macroinvertebrates are often sensitive to environmental changes, such as

salinity and sediment characteristics, these factors can significantly impact

their distribution, reproductive success, and overall abundance Bozelli et al.,

2020.

In Barangay Sto. Rosario, where mangrove density was higher,

macrofauna such as Telescopium telescopium and Littoraria scabra were

more evenly distributed and exhibited greater diversity. This supports

findings that show macrofaunal diversity and abundance are directly

affected by the complexity of mangrove habitats, which provide greater

protection from predators and improved resource access (Cannicci et al.,

2017). Conversely, Barangay Kisulad, with lower mangrove density, showed

greater dominance by a few species, such as Clypeomorus moniliferus, and

a reduced overall diversity, likely due to fewer shelter opportunities and less

varied substrate.
 37

Statistical Analysis of Macroinvertebrate population density

A Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine whether there was a

significant difference in the average population density of

macroinvertebrates between Kisulad and Sto. Rosario. The analysis

revealed a notable difference between the two sites (U = 108.5, Z = 2.1876,

p = 0.0287), with Sto. Rosario exhibiting a higher average rank (11.645)

compared to Kisulad (7.855). This indicates that macroinvertebrates were

more abundant in Sto. Rosario.

Table 3. A Mann-Whitney U test in the mean population density of

macroinvertebrates found in the two study areas.

Mean Mann-
Stations N Z P
Rank Whitn U

Kisulad 19 7.855 108.5 2.1876 0.0287

Sto. Rosario 19 11.645

This result suggests that certain environmental or ecological factors

may be influencing macroinvertebrate populations at the two locations.

Potential drivers include variations in water quality, substrate type,

 38

vegetation cover, and levels of human disturbance (Bonada et al., 2020;

Merritt et al., 2019).

Diversity of Macroinvertebrates

The study highlighted clear disparities in the diversity, evenness, and

dominance indices of macroinvertebrate populations among the surveyed

barangays, suggesting differences in ecological conditions and habitat

quality. Barangay Sto. Rosario achieved the highest value for species

diversity, with a Shannon-Wiener index of 2.358, reflecting a more species-

rich and ecologically varied environment. Conversely, Barangay Kisulad had

a lower diversity index of 1.577, indicating either a limited number of

species or an uneven distribution among them. Elevated diversity levels are

typically linked to stable ecosystems with minimal disturbance, where

multiple species can thrive Roberts et al., 2021.

When assessing species dominance, Barangay Kisulad showed a

higher score of 0.2368, signifying that a small number of species make up

the majority of the population. This often points to environmental pressures

or specific habitat conditions favoring a few dominant species (Begon et al.,

 39

2006). In barangay Sto. Rosario had a lower dominance index of 0.1065,

suggesting a more even representation across different species.

Table 4. Diversity Indices of Benthic Macrofauna found in barangay

Kisulad and Sto. Rosario.

Kisulad Sto. Rosario

Diversity 1.577 2.358

Evenness 0.6917 0.7547

Dominance 0.2368 0.1065

In terms of evenness, which evaluates how equally individuals are

distributed among existing species, Sto. Rosario again ranked higher, with

a Pielou’s Evenness Index of 0.7547. This suggests a relatively balanced

community structure. Meanwhile, Kisulad’s lower evenness score of 0.6917

indicates that the population was skewed toward a few dominant species,

which may have contributed to its lower overall biodiversity Magurran et al.,

2015.
 40

Density of Mangroves

The mangrove density results demonstrate clear differences in

species distribution between Barangay Kisulad and Sto. Rosario. In Kisulad,

Sonneratia alba showed the highest density at 0.39 individuals/m², while

Avicennia rumphiana was present in much lower numbers. Meanwhile, Sto.

Rosario displayed a more evenly distributed mangrove community, with

Rhizophora mucronata at 0.37 individuals/m², R. apiculata at 0.38

individuals/m², and S. alba at 0.36 individuals/m². Sanchez et al., 2021.

Table 5. Density of mangroves in the two study areas

SPECIES STO. ROSARIO KISULAD

R. macrunata 0.37 0.29

R. apiculata 0.38 0.26
S. alba 0.36 0.39
A. rumpiana 0.03

The high density of R. mucronata in Sto. Rosario indicates that this

location likely offers optimal environmental conditions, such as stable soils

and limited tidal disturbance, which are conducive to its development. The

lack of A. rumphiana in the same area may be attributed to unfavorable

factors like inappropriate soil type or elevated salinity levels that hinder its
 41

growth. Overall, the greater species balance in Sto. Rosario points to a more

stable and ecologically rich environment, likely capable of supporting a

broader variety of mangrove species through a diversity of available

habitats. Obi et al., 2016.

Correlation of Mangroves and Density of Macrofauna

The analysis of the correlation between mangrove density and

macrofauna density in Barangays Kisulad and Sto. Rosario showed a

moderate positive relationship, with a correlation coefficient of 0.492. This

suggests that as mangrove density increases, so does the macrofauna

density, though the connection is not entirely linear.

This observation supports existing research emphasizing the vital

role of mangrove forests in providing critical nursery areas, feeding zones,

and refuges for various benthic and intertidal macrofauna. Mangrove

forests, particularly those dominated by Rhizophora and Avicennia, enhance

habitat complexity by offering root systems, organic matter, and leaf litter,

which increase food resources and shelter for macroinvertebrates (Alongi,

2002; Lee et al., 2014).

 42

Density of mangrove trees increases, so does the availability of

shelter, food resources, and microhabitats, resulting in greater macrofaunal

density and diversity. These extensive root networks also trap organic

material, creating stable microhabitats that foster the survival and

proliferation of benthic organisms.

Table 6. Correlation analysis of Mangroves and Density of Macrofauna

found in barangay Kisulad and Sto. Rosario.

Macrofauna Mangroves

Macrofauna 1 0.492

Mangroves 0.492 1

In addition to providing structural habitat, mangroves contribute to

nutrient enrichment by accumulating detritus, which enhances the growth

and reproduction of benthic communities Alongi et al., 2021. In return,

benthic macrofauna such as crabs, mollusks, play vital roles in bioturbation,

nutrient cycling, and soil aeration, processes that reinforce the health and

productivity of mangrove ecosystems.

 43

Moreover, mangrove plants influence key environmental factors like

sediment stability, organic content, and moisture levels, all of which are

crucial for the survival and distribution of macrofauna Alongi et al., 2021.

As such, the correlation found in this study further supports the concept

that mangrove ecosystems act as critical habitats, promoting both the

density and biodiversity of associated macrofaunal communities.

Physico- chemical Parameters

The differences in salinity between Sto. Rosario and Kisulad can

largely be attributed to variations in freshwater input and geographic

setting. Sto. Rosario, with a recorded salinity of 28.42 ppt, appears to

experience greater freshwater influence, likely from nearby rivers, streams,

or consistent rainfall. The influx of freshwater reduces seawater salinity,

creating a more diluted, brackish environment within the mangrove

ecosystem. As Reef et al. 2021 noted, salinity levels in mangrove habitats

often fluctuate due to tidal dynamics and freshwater discharge, both of

which play a crucial role in shaping habitat conditions. Mangrove areas

situated closer to river mouths or regions with heavier rainfall tend to

 44

sustain lower salinity levels, promoting higher biodiversity and supporting a

broader range of ecological functions.

Table 7. Physico-Chemical Parameters in the two study areas.

STO.
PARAMETERS
ROSARIO KISULAD
Temperature (OC) 31.97 30.57
Salinity (ppt 28.42 35.91
pH 7.62 7.67

In the higher salinity observed in Kisulad (35.91 ppt) suggests a

limited supply of freshwater and a stronger predominance of seawater.

Kisulad may be located farther from freshwater sources or in an area with

reduced rainfall, resulting in salinity levels that are more consistent with

those found in open marine environments. Furthermore, processes such as

evaporation especially under hot, dry conditions can intensify salinity

concentrations even further (Alongi, 2020). Such environments generally

support fewer species, favoring organisms that are well-adapted to saline

conditions, and leading to lower overall faunal diversity compared to more

brackish ecosystems.
 45

Recognizing the underlying causes of salinity variation is crucial, as

these factors directly influence the osmoregulatory abilities and species

distribution within mangrove systems. The composition of aquatic

communities tends to shift along salinity gradients, with some species

thriving in low-salinity environments while others are specialized for high-

salinity conditions. Desai et al., 2023 highlighted that extreme salinity levels

can induce physiological stress, ultimately reducing the abundance and

diversity of estuarine and mangrove organisms. Therefore, understanding

how salinity is regulated by environmental factors is key to preserving the

biodiversity and ecological integrity of mangrove ecosystems.

 46

CHAPTER V

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

SUMMARY

The study identified a total of nineteen species macroinvertebrate

species across the sampling sites. Notably, Barangay Sto.Rosario exhibited

the highest abundance of macroinvertebrates, whereas Barangay Kisulad

reported lower numbers of individuals.

In Barangay Sto. Rosario, Telescopium telescopium emerged as the

most abundant species, with 120 individuals, representing 14.24% of the

total abundance and density 2.67. Conversely, Littoraria scabra recorded

the lowest count with 7 individuals, comprising 0.84% abundance and a

density of 0.16. In Barangay Kisulad, Clypeomorus moniliferus dominated

with 122 individuals, constituting 32.88% abundance and density of 2.71,

while Angaria Delphinus had the lowest count with 4 individuals, accounting

for 1.08% abundance and density of 0.09. Regarding diversity indices,

Barangay Sto. Rosario exhibited the highest diversity index of 2.358,

whereas Barangay Kisulad had the lowest at 1.577. In terms of dominance,

Barangay Kisulad showed the highest dominance index at 0.2368, while

 47

Barangay Sto. Rosario had the lowest at 0.1065. Additionally, Barangay Sto.

Rosario displayed the highest evenness index of 0.7547, while Barangay

Kisulad had the lowest at 0.6917.

Environmental parameters also varied across the Barangays with

Barangay Sto. Rosario reporting the highest temperature at 31.97°C, lowest

salinity at 3.68 ppt, and a pH of 7.62. Barangay Kisulad recorded the lowest

temperature at 30.57, reporting the highest salinity at 35.91 ppt, and a pH

of 7.67.

Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the density of

macroinvertebrate species among the Barangay Sto. Rosario and Barangay

Kisulad.
 48

CONCLUSION

The following are the drown conclusions:

1. There are nineteen (19) identified species macroinvertebrate found

in the selected coastal barangays in Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental

2. Clypeomorus moniliferus has the highest count of 122 with an

abundance of 32.88%, and density of 2.71, and Angaria Delphinus

has the lowest count of 4 with an abundance of 1.08% and density

of 0.09 among the two sampling sites.

3. Barangay Sto. Rosario had the highest index diversity of 2.358,

while, Barangay Kisulad had the highest index dominance 0.2368,

Barangay Sto. Rosario had the highest index evenness of 0.7547.

4. Barangay Kisulad and Sto. Rosario. In Kisulad, Sonneratia alba

showed the highest density at 0.39 individuals/m², while Avicennia

rumphiana was present in much lower numbers. Meanwhile, Sto.

Rosario displayed a more evenly distributed mangrove community,

with Rhizophora mucronata at 0.37 individuals/m², R. apiculata at

0.38 individuals/m², and S. alba at 0.36 individuals/m².

 49

5. The correlation found in this study further supports the concept that

mangrove ecosystems act as critical habitats, promoting both the

density and biodiversity of associated macrofaunal communities.

6. Physico- chemical Parameters were in tolerable limits with highest

measurements of 31.97°C for Temperature, salinity with 35.91 ppt,

and pH of 7.67.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the finding of the study which was conducted in the

selected coastal Barangays, the following recommendations were proposed:

1. Conduct further macroinvertebrates mapping and expand the scope

of the study beyond the current sampling locations to investigate the

status macroinvertebrates in Davao Occidental.

2. A similar study should be conducted but during we and dry season

of the year and increased number of quadrats transect to have a

better comparison results of macroinvertebrates mapping.

3. During sampling many disposable plastics were observed, proper

waste disposal is strongly recommended.

 50

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 59

APPENDIX 1

Classification of Species Per Family

Family Genus Species

Sesarmidae Aratus pisonii
Veneridae Saxidomus nuttalli
Neritoidae Nerita albicilla
Ozidae Ozius truncatus
Angariidae Angaria Delphinus
Arcidae Telegarca granosa
Muricidae Chicoreus capucinus
Ellobiidae Ellobium aurisjudae
Turridae Lophiotoma polytropa
Arcidae Barbatia obliquata
Littorinidae Littoraria intermedia
Littorinidae Littoraria scabra
Cerithiidae Cerithium caeruleum
Cerithiidae Clypeomorus moniliferus
Carditidae Cardita granulata
Potamididae Cerithidea sulcata
Potamididae Telescopium telescopium
Certhiadea Certhiadea cingulata
Tegulidae Tegula verrucos
 60

LIST OF PLATES

PLATE NO.1

Family: Sesarmidae
Aratus pisonii

Taxonomic Classification Description

Kingdom: Animalia Aratus pisonii, also known as the

mangrove crab, is a small, tree-
Phylum: Arthropoda climbing species found in mangrove
Class: Malacostraca ecosystems across the Americas. It is
Order: Decapoda an omnivorous crab that feeds on
Family: Sesamidae algae, detritus, and small
Genus: Aratus invertebrates while playing an
Species: Aratus Pisonii important role in nutrient cycling
within its habitat.
 61

PLATE NO. 2

Family: Veneridae
Saxidomus nuttalli

Taxonomic Classification Description

Kingdom: Animalia The clam has a smooth, oval-shaped

shell with a glossy appearance,
Phylum: Mollusca typically ranging in size from 3 to 7 cm
Class: Bivalvia in length. The shell is usually pale
Order: Venerida yellow, white, or light brown with
Family: Veneridae concentric growth rings.
Genus: Saxidumos
Species: Saxidomus nuttalli
 62

PLATE NO.3

Family: Neritoidae
Nerita albicilla

Taxonomic Classification Description

Kingdom: Animalia The shell is typically white with

dark markings, and the snail is
Phylum: Mollusca known for its ability to cling tightly
Class: Gastropoda to rocks in the intertidal zone.
Order: Cycloneritida
Family: Neritoidea
Genus: Nerita
Species: Nerita albicilla
 63

PLATE NO.4

Family: Ozidae
Ozius truncatus

Taxonomic Classification Description

Kingdom: Animalia A small species of crab found in

the Indo-Pacific region, especially
Phylum: Arthropoda around coral reefs and rocky
Class: Malacostraca shorelines. It has a distinctive,
Order: Decapoda broad, and flattened carapace,
Family: Oziidae often with reddish or brownish
Genus: Ozius coloration. These crabs are
Species: Ozius trancatus known to be opportunistic
feeders, scavenging and preying
on small invertebrates.
 64

PLATE NO.5

Family: Angariidae
Angaria delphinus

Taxonomic Classification Description

Kingdom: Animalia A species of cowrie, a type of

marine mollusk, found in the Indo-
Phylum: Mollusca Pacific. The shell is glossy and
Class: Gastropoda patterned, often resembling the
Order: Cycloneritida shape of a dolphin's body, hence its
Family: Angariidae name. It is a slow-moving species
Genus: Angaria that feeds on sponges and other
Species: Angaria Delphinus small organisms attached to rocks
and coral.
 65

PLATE NO.6

Family: Arcidae
Tegillarcosa granosa

Taxonomic Classification Description

Kingdom: Animalia Commonly known as the

blood cockle or blood clam, is
Phylum: Mollusca a species of ark clam found in
Class: Bivalve the Indo-Pacific region,
Order: Arcida characterized by its red-
Family: Arcidae colored soft tissues due to the
Genus: Tegillarca presence of hemoglobin.
Species: Tegillarca granosa
 66

PLATE NO.7

Family: Muricidae
Chicoreus capucinus

Taxonomic Classification Description

Kingdom: Animalia The spines on the shell resemble

the design of a monk’s hood or
Phylum: Mollusca cap, hence the name "capucinus."
Class: Gastropoda It can grow up to 10 cm (4
Order: Neograstopoda inches) in length.
Family: Muricidae
Genus: Chicoreus
Species: Chicoreus capunicus
 67

PLATE NO.8

Family: Ellobiidae
Ellobium aurisjudae

Taxonomic Classification Description

Kingdom: Animalia The shell has a smooth surface

and a central notch that gives it
Phylum: Mollusca the "ear" appearance. It is a small
Class: Gastropoda species that can be found in
Order: Ellobiida shallow coastal waters often on
Family: Ellobiidae muddy or sandy substrates.
Genus: Ellobium
Species: Ellobium aurisjudae
 68

PLATE NO. 9
Family: Turridae
Lophiotoma polytropa

Taxonomic Classification Description

Kingdom: Animalia The shell can grow up to 15 cm

(6 inches) in length and features
Phylum: Mollusca fine, sharp ridges that spiral
Class: Gastropoda around the shell. Its color varies
Order: Neograstopoda from yellowish to brown, often
Family: Turridae with darker bands or spots.
Genus: Lophiotoma
Species: Lophiotoma polytropa
 69

PLATE NO. 10
Family: Arcidae
Barbatia obliquata

Taxonomic Classification Description

Kingdom: Animalia Barbatia obliquata is a species

of large, oblique-shelled clam.
Phylum: Mollusca The shells of these bivalves are
Class: Bivalve typically asymmetrical and
Order: Arcida somewhat elongated, with a
Family: Arcidae smooth, glossy surface. The
Genus: Barbatia outer shell color is usually light
Species: Barbatia obliquata to dark brown, often with
darker radial markings
 70

PLATE NO.11

Family: Littorinidae
Littoraria intermedia

Taxonomic Classification Description

Kingdom: Animalia The shell is typically conical

or turban-shaped, with a
Phylum: Mollusca smooth surface and a
Class: Gastropoda characteristic color pattern that
Order: Littorinimorpha can range from yellowish to
Family: Littorinidae brown with darker spirals.
Species: Littoraria intermedia
 71

PLATE NO. 12

Family: Littorinidae
Littoraria scabra

Taxonomic Classification Description

Kingdom: Animalia The shell is typically conical

and spiny, with rough,
Phylum: Mollusca irregular growths on its
Class: Gastropoda surface, giving it a "scaly"
Order: Littorinimorpha texture. It can be found in
Family: Littorinidae the intertidal zone of the
Species: Littoraria intermedia Indo-Pacific region,
particularly on mangrove
trees and rocks.
 72

PLATE NO:13

Family: Cerithiidae
Cerithium caeruleum

Taxonomic Classification Description

Kingdom: Animalia Cerithium caeruleum is a

species of small sea snail,
Phylum: Mollusca easily recognized by its
Class: Gastropoda slender, elongated shell with a
Order: Incertae sedis pronounced spire. The shell is
Genus: Cerithium typically bluish or pale in color,
Family: Cerithiidae with a smooth surface and fine
Species: Cerithium caeruleum spiral lines.
 73

PLOT NO. 14

Family: Cerithiidae
Clypeomorus moniliferus

Taxonomic Classification Description

Kingdom: Animalia The shell is relatively small

and round, with fine, regular
Phylum: Mollusca ridges or beads that form a
Class: Gastropoda pattern along its surface. The
Order: Caenogastropada coloration of the shell typically
incertae sedis varies from pale brown to
Genus: Clypeomorus grayish tones.
Family: Cerithiidae
Species: Clypeomorus
moniliferus
 74

PLOT NO. 15

Family: Carditidae
Cardita granulata

Taxonomic Classification Description

Kingdom: Animalia The surface of the shell is

covered with numerous small,
Phylum: Mollusca granular nodules. The shell is
Class: Bivalve usually white or pale with a slightly
Order: Carditida off-white to brownish tint.
Genus: Cardita
Family: Cerditidae
Species: Cardita granulata
 75

PLOT NO. 16

Family: Potamididae
Sulcate swamp Cerith

Taxonomic Classification Description

Kingdom: Animalia The shell has prominent, spiral

ridges and a somewhat angular
Phylum: Mollusca shape. It typically features a pale
Class: Gastropoda yellow to brownish color with
Order: Caenograstopoda darker spiral lines. These snails are
Genus: Cerithidae commonly found in coastal
Family: Potamididae mangrove habitats and estuarine
Species: Cerithidea sulcata areas, often burrowing into mud or
sand. They are detritivores,
feeding on organic matter and
algae in the mud.
 76

PLOT NO. 17

Family: Potamididae
Telescopium telescopium

Taxonomic Classification Description

Kingdom: Animalia The shell is quite distinctive

due to its long spire and smooth
Phylum: Mollusca surface with fine spiral grooves.
Class: Gastropoda These snails are commonly
Order: Caenogastropada incertae found in mudflats, estuaries,
sedis and mangrove swamps.
Genus: Telescopium
Family: Potamididae
Species: Telescopium
Telescopium
 77

PLOT NO. 18

Family: Certhiadea
Certhiadea cingulata

Taxonomic Classification Description

Kingdom: Animalia The shell is typically light-

colored, often white or pale yellow,
Phylum: Mollusca with dark, spiral bands or rings.
Class: Gastropoda These rings are one of the most
Order: Carithiiformes distinguishing features of the
Genus: Cerithiadae species, giving the snail its
Family: Certhiidae common name.
Species: Certhiadea cingulata
 78

PLOT NO. 19
Family: Tegulidae
Tegula verrucosa

Taxonomic Classification Description

Kingdom: Animalia The shell surface is covered with

numerous small, wart-like bumps.
Phylum: Mollusca The color of the shell is typically
Class: Gastropoda dark brown or greenish with
Order: Littorinimorpha darker markings and is often
Genus: Tegula patterned with radial lines.
Family: Tegulidae
Species: Tegula verrucosa
 79

APPENDIX II

Hon. LEMURIA C. MADELO

Barangay Captain
Office of the Barangay Kisulad,
Malita, Davao Occidental.
Good day Maam/Sir.
We are 4th year student of BS- Environmental Science from Southern
Philippines Agri-business and Marine Aquatic School of Technology
(SPAMAST) Malita Campus. In connection to this may we request
permission from your office to conduct our research tittle’’ BENTHIC
MACROFAUNA IN MANGROVE FORESTS IN STA. MARIA, DAVAO
OCCIDENTAL, PHILIPPINES’’. We look forward to your positive
response to this request and continue support toward the promotion of
academic excellence in marine diversity through research which is related
to environmental protection and conservation. The findings of this study
will provide baseline data for actual monitoring of benthic macrofauna
show uncontrolled harvesting of marine species and lack of awareness
regarding any policy being implemented in Barangay Kisulad, Sta. Maria,
Davao Occidental.

Very truly yours Approved by:

JUDY ANN T. LUMAYAS
JAYLO B. MASAYAO LEMURIA C. MADELO
Researcher Barangay Captain
Approved by:
JILLIANE RAE C. CABILI, MSc
Research Adviser
 80

APPENDIX III

CERTIFICATE OF RESEARCH ETHICS COMMITTEE

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PHOTO DOCUMENTATION
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PHOTO DOCUMENTATION
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