Species composition, density and dominance of arboreal mangrove molluscs on the Paradiso beach of Kupang city, Indonesia

The purpose of this study is to determine the species composition, dominance and density of arboreal molluscs in the Paradiso mangrove forest area of Kupang. This research uses transect method. Transects are drawn perpendicular to the shoreline, from the lowest tide to the highest tide. Mangrove trees that are exactly in line transect or about 2 meters from the transect line are used as data collection plots. In each tree is set 3 levels of height, ie 0.0-1.0 m, 1.1-2.0 m and 2.1-3.0 m. Mangrove molluscs found in each level are recorded and the number of individuals counted. The environmental parameters measured were the dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, and salinity. Data on the individuals number of each species were analyzed to determine the density and dominance of mangrove molluscs. The results showed that in the mangrove forest area were found 7 species of arboreal molluscs belonging to 2 classes, namely gastropods and bivalves. Littorina scabra is a species of mangrove molluscs with the highest density and dominance compared to other species.