1887
Volume 2013, Issue 1
  • EISSN: 2223-506X

Abstract

This study examines the environmental factors affecting the density of the exploited giant land snail species, , and in the Dassa-Zoumè district of Benin. Thirty plots of 30 m × 30 m were laid out, within four vegetation types (fallows, forest, woodlands and wood savannah). Inside each plot the numbers of each giant land snail species were counted, and soil characteristics were measured. ANOVA and generalized linear models (GLMs) with Poisson distribution were used to examine the influence of soil factors on the giant land snails. has the highest mean density (507 snails/ha) while has the lowest density (110 snails/ha). ANOVA showed no significant difference in density between habitat types for any species. The most parsimonious GLM model showed that the abundance of was positively associated to the fine sands, fine silts and pH, while the interactions were negatively associated with the abundance of the species. The abundance of was negatively associated with the fine sands, fine silts and pH, while the interactions were positively associated with the abundance of the species. As for , the abundance was negatively associated with the fine silts, pH and litter, while the interactions were positively associated with the abundance of the species. The abundance pattern of forest molluscs is likely to be affected by different processes. Exploitation of these giant snails will affect their density, and further research is needed to establish appropriate levels of harvesting and habitat management.

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2013-12-01
2024-11-18
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  • Article Type: Research Article
Keyword(s): Beninhabitatland snail and soil parameters
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