Influence of Human Exploitation of Intertidal Mollusk Resources on the Selection and Utilisation of Gastropod Shells by the Hermit Crab Clibanarius longitarsus (de Haan) in Costa do Sol Mangrove, Maputo
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Date
2000
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The use of gastropod shells by the hermit crab Clibanarius longitarsus at Costa do Sol Mangrove was investigated. Particular attention was paid to the influence of human collection of intertidal gastropod resources on the availability and utilization of shells by C. longitarsus. Three main methods were used in this study: crab field collections, shell selection laboratory experiments and interviews with local women who collect intertidal mollusk resources. A total of 23 shell types were used by C. longitarsus at the Costa do Sol mangrove, the most common being Volema pyrum, Murex brevispina and Terebralia palustris. Gastropod shells were a limiting resource for hermit crabs. Although shell availability could not be explained by human exploitation, which represent less than 3% of the total collection. In laboratory experiments, C. longitarsus significantly preferred V. pyrum over all other shell species. Comparing the morphological characteristics of the shell species studied, V. pyrum always showed intermediate characteristics and was present in large numbers, which could explain its preference by C. longitarsus.Conference Name
2nd National Conference on Coastal Zones ResearchConference Location
Mozambique: MaputoConference Date
27-29 sept. 2000