Research on Species Composition of Terrestrial Molluscs (Mollusca: Gastropoda) in Hoa Binh Province

Abstract

Hoa Binh, situated in one of the Vietnam’s biodiversity areas, has four nature reserves (Ngoc Son-Ngo Luong, Hang Kia-Pa Co, Phu Canh, and Thuong Tien nature reserves), and also shares a part of Cuc Phương and Ba Vi National Parks, as well as having many different types of habitats. However, information on the terrestrial molluscs’ biodiversity is limited. This study provides an up-to-date checklist of terrestrial molluscs species found on five habitats in Hoa Binh Province. A total of 104 species representing 60 genera and 21 families is enumerated based on systematic field surveys of 49 sampling plots. Eight of these were new records for Hoa Binh Province: Dicharax fraterculus, Rhaphaulus tonkinensis, Tortaxis pilsbryi, Deroceras laeve, Parmarion martensi, Entadella concave, Meghimatium bilineatum, and Meghimatium pictum. Forests over limestone and isolated hills in Hoa Binh Province are rich in terrestrial molluscs. In the study area, several genera (Dicharax, Cyclophorus, Diplommatina, Pupina, Oospira and Haploptychius) are restricted to limestone mountains.