The Community Structure of Molluscs in Three Different Wetland Types in the Qi’ao-Dan’gan Island Mangrove Nature Reserve at Qi’ao Island,

Zoological Studies 51(6): 745-754. The benthic mollusc communities in 3 different types of wetlands (mangrove arbor, emergent plants, and seaweed) at Qi’ao-Dan’gan I. were studied from Jan. 2008 to Nov. 2010. During this period, 16 species consisting of 11 species of gastropods and 5 species of bivalves were found. All of the bivalve species were found among the seaweeds. Compared to other mangrove habitats, the species richness of molluscs was lower while the abundance (68 individuals (ind.)/m2) was higher. The community composition significantly differed among these wetland types (p < 0.05), and a significant serial shift occurred during the 3rd year of sampling in the seaweed wetland. At the mangrove arbor and seaweed wetlands, the mollusc community compositions exhibited no significant differences in different seasons or different years. In this article, relationships between the distribution of molluscs and environmental parameters are discussed as well. It is suggested that molluscs may possess strong adaptability in these 3 wetlands. This study provides useful baseline information on conservation and sustainable use of the wetlands