Molluscan assemblage
Molluscan (gastropod and bivalve) species were recorded
within three 1-m2
quadrats in each 100-m2
vegetation plot.
The quadrats were placed around mangrove tree species
characteristic for that plot and the abundance and diversity
of molluscs on the mud surface and at height intervals up
the tree were recorded. The molluscan infauna of dead
wood was also included, but no sieving for soil infauna
was attempted. After collection, the specimens were
washed, dabbed dry and weighed (= wet biomass); they
were then preserved in 70% neutralized alcohol to prevent
the calcium carbonate in the shells dissolving. Keys in
Brandt (1974), Reid (1986) and Van Benthem-Jutting
(1956) were used for identification. All specimens were
deposited at SBC.