Diversity and abundance of terrestrial gastropods in Skikda region (North-East Algeria): correlation with soil physicochemical factors

Abstract

Abstract Background The inventory process is the first method to protect and safeguard animal biodiversity. This study carries out a quantitative and qualitative inventory of terrestrial gastropods at three sites in Skikda province (north-eastern Algeria). The relationship between terrestrial gastropod diversity and soil physicochemical factors was investigated using statistical analyses. Results The inventory data reveals the presence of four families and eight species showing varied predominance rates of Cornu aspersum species according to each site in the city of Skikda (Azzaba 53.88%; Ben-Azzouz 56.12%; El-Hadaiek 37.92%). The maximal specific richness was registered in the El-Hadaiek site (seven species), and the highest mean richness was noted in the Ben-Azzouz site (392 individuals). Of the eight gastropod species identified, three species (Cornu aspersum, Cantareus apertus and Rumina decollate) were classified as constant species. The Shannon–Weaver diversity and equitability indices vary by site. Conclusion The presence of certain species in one site and their absence in other sites, as well as the variation in ecological indices, could be attributed to the effect of soil-physicochemical factors.

Keywords

• Terrestrial gastropod
• Biodiversity
• Abundance
• Richness
• Soil physicochemical factors
• Skikda city