Coastal univalve class: Gastropoda; Cuvier, 1795 of Ayoke Island, North Eastern Mindanao, Philippines

Abstract

Mollusks are a diverse and ecologically vital group of animals, often serving as indicators of ecosystem health. This study aimed to create a field guide for univalve mollusks on Ayoke Island in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines. Sampling methods included opportunistic hand-picking and market sampling. Collected samples underwent preliminary identification on-site and were later confirmed in a biology laboratory at North Eastern University, using various resources and expert consultations. A total of 115 mollusk species from 57 genera, divided into 28 families, were identified. Notably, the Conidae family had the most species (20), followed by Cypraeidae (16) and Strombidae (10). The Conus genus within Conidae exhibited the highest diversity with 20 species. Of these species, 88 were uncommon, 26 rare, and only one, Monetaria moneta , fairly common. Ayoke Island demonstrated remarkable gastropod diversity, reflecting its rich marine life. The local community valued marine univalves for their ecosystem contributions. However, challenges in their management and preservation persisted due to non-compliance with regulations. Careful handling and harvesting, following guidelines, are essential for Ayoke Island's marine ecosystem's well-being.