Biodiversity of macroinvertebrates in the intertidal zone in Bongabong, Pantukan, Davao de Oro

Abstract

Biodiversity plays a critical role in the way ecosystem function and the benefits they provide. Macroinvertebrates in the Intertidal Zone in Bongabong, Pantukan, Davao de Oro was assessed using opportunistic sampling method by hand-picking, coring, and sieving technique. Sampling was made from December 2019 to January 2020. A total of 142 species identified under 7 Phyla representing 15 classes and 74 families with 4,288 individuals were recorded. The most dominant species are Archaster typicus, Rhinoclavis facsciata, and Terebralia palustris. Phylum Mollusca (75.21%) was found to be dominant, followed by Phylum Echinodermata (16.37%), Phylum Arthropoda (7.49%), and Phylum Annelida, Phylum Nemertea, Phylum Platyhelminthes, and Phylum Sipuncula with a total of (0.81%). Results showed that station 2 has the highest relative species diversity (H'=0.818) and evenness index (E=0.310) and species richness shows highest in station 1 (R=16.655) but lowest in station 3. Physico-chemical parameters showed that the water temperature, air temperature, salinity, and pH are within the normal standards suitable for the survival of marine macroinvertebrates species and the community. The low diversity of macroinvertebrates suggests anthropogenic activities in the nearby community which may affect the species composition. It is recommended to have biennial monitoring along public coastal areas for immediate action.