Freshwater Molluscan Diversity, Abundance and Community Structure in Tank Ecosystems of Kadegaon, Maharashtra, India
S. R. Londhe *
Department of Zoology, Bharati Vidyapeeth, Matoshree Bayabai Shreepatrao Kadam Mahavidyalaya, Kadegaon, Maharashtra, India.
N. H. Shaikh
Department of Zoology, Dattajirao Kadam Arts, Science and Commerce College, Ichalkaranji, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India.
N. A. Kamble
Department of Zoology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Freshwater molluscs are important components of inland aquatic ecosystems, yet local information on their assemblages in tank habitats of Kadegaon, Maharashtra, remains limited.
Aim: To assess the diversity, abundance, distribution, and community structure of freshwater molluscs inhabiting selected tank ecosystems of Kadegaon, Sangli District, Maharashtra.
Study Design: A field-based comparative study was conducted in two freshwater tank ecosystems.
Place and Duration of Study: Nerli Tank (Site-I) and Surli Ghat Tank (Site-II), located in Kadegaon, Sangli District, Maharashtra, India. The study was carried out during January 2026, with repeated sampling conducted at both sites.
Methodology: Freshwater molluscs were sampled using hand-picking, scoop-net collection, and random quadrat sampling (1 m × 1 m). Specimens were identified based on shell morphology and standard taxonomic keys. Species abundance and distribution were recorded for both sites, and community diversity was evaluated using the Shannon–Wiener diversity index and Simpson’s dominance index.
Results: Five molluscan species belonging to the classes Gastropoda and Bivalvia were recorded: Pila sp., Bellamya sp., Lymnaea sp., Trochus sp., and Lamellidens sp. Gastropods were dominant at both sites. Site-I recorded 167 individuals, while Site-II recorded 115 individuals. Lymnaea sp. was the most abundant species, whereas Trochus sp. showed the lowest abundance. Lamellidens sp. was recorded exclusively at Site-I. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index was 1.41035 at Site-I and 1.27101 at Site-II, while Simpson’s dominance index was 0.276820 and 0.292906, respectively.
Conclusion: Nerli Tank supported greater molluscan abundance and slightly higher species diversity than Surli Ghat Tank. The differences in species composition, abundance, and distribution between the two sites suggest variation in habitat characteristics and ecological conditions. The study highlights the ecological importance of tank ecosystems as habitats for freshwater molluscan communities and provides baseline information for future biodiversity monitoring and conservation.
Keywords: Molluscan diversity, freshwater molluscs, tank ecosystem, Gastropoda, Shannon–Wiener index, Simpson’s dominance index