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VOL. 10, ISSUE 12 (2025)
Study of seasonal diversity of macrozoobenthic invertebrates of Nirmal Lake, dist. - Palghar (M.S), India
Authors
Pratik P Chavan, Rahul Jadhav
Abstract
The present study investigates the distribution and abundance of
selected freshwater macroinvertebrate species at two sampling stations in
Nirmal Lake, located in the suburban region of Mumbai, Maharashtra. A total of
six species belonging to molluscs and arthropods were recorded, namely Filopaludina
bengalensis, Indoplanorbis exustus, Tarebia granifera, Melanoides
scabra (Meiniplotia scabra), Barytelphusa cunicularis, and Nepa
cinerea. The study aimed to assess species variation between stations and
evaluate their conservation status as per the IUCN Red List. Among the recorded
taxa, Barytelphusa cunicularis is listed as Least Concern, Indoplanorbis
exustus, Tarebia granifera, and Nepa cinerea are of Least
Concern, whereas Filopaludina bengalensis is Not Threatened, and the
status of M. scabra is currently not available. The abundance of species
showed marked spatial variation. Station 1 recorded the highest population of Filopaludina
bengalensis (60 individuals) and Tarebia granifera (55 individuals),
whereas Station 2 exhibited a higher abundance of Barytelphusa cunicularis
(50 individuals) and Tarebia granifera (67 individuals). The presence of
pollution-tolerant species such as Indoplanorbis exustus and Tarebia
granifera indicates moderate levels of organic enrichment, while the
occurrence of the sensitive freshwater crab Barytelphusa cunicularis
suggests pockets of suitable habitat and relatively stable ecological
conditions. Overall, the results highlight the importance of macroinvertebrates
as bioindicators for assessing ecological health and biodiversity status of
freshwater ecosystems. These findings provide baseline information that may
contribute to conservation planning and sustainable management of Nirmal Lake.
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Pages:47-52
How to cite this article:
Pratik P Chavan, Rahul Jadhav "Study of seasonal diversity of macrozoobenthic invertebrates of Nirmal Lake, dist. - Palghar (M.S), India". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 10, Issue 12, 2025, Pages 47-52
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