Population Ecology Of Fiddler Crabs (Ocypodidae: Gelasiminae) In The Mangroves Of Penang Island, Malaysia

• Auteur principal: Zolkhiflee, Nurhafiza
• Format: Thèse
• Langue: anglais
• Publié: 2024
• Sujets: QH1-278.5 Natural history (General)
• Accès en ligne: http://eprints.usm.my/63592/

Little is known about the population ecology of fiddler crab in northern peninsular malaysia, and as such, a study on the population ecology of this species was conducted in mangroves of penang island for 12 months from march 2017 to february 2018. Monthly sampling was conducted to collect the fiddler crab, sediment sample and physicochemical parameter data. This study investigates the abundance, growth patterns, and feeding habits of fiddler crabs in the mangrove ecosystems of penang island, focusing on the influence of environmental parameters, microhabitat variations, and seasonal changes. The distribution and abundance of fiddler crabs were analysed in relation to environmental factors. Austruca annulipes and gelasimus vocans were predominantly found in coarser, well-lit mudflat habitats, while tubuca rosea, tubuca forcipata, and sp. 1 were associated with finer, organic-rich sediments. Seasonal variations played a significant role, with species like t. Rosea maintaining a strong preference for finer sediments across seasons. The significant three-way interaction between site, microhabitat, and season highlights the complex dynamics influencing fiddler crab habitats as such for a. Annulipes that show significantly higher abundance in pulau betong mudflat during wet season. These findings highlight the importance of physicochemical variables, such as sediment composition and light intensity, in shaping fiddler crab populations.