Searching the Virtually Extinct Tridacna gigas (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Reefs of Palawan, Philippines
| Autor: | Niño Jess Mar F. Mecha, Roger G. Dolorosa |
|---|---|
| Rok vydání: | 2020 |
| Předmět: |
0106 biological sciences
Tridacna gigas [mollusks] 0303 health sciences geography.geographical_feature_category 010604 marine biology & hydrobiology giant clams Fisheries conservation macroinvertebrates Conservation bivalves 01 natural sciences Fishery 03 medical and health sciences Geography Tridacna gigas Reef 030304 developmental biology |
| Zdroj: | njmf19mecha@gmail.com National Fisheries Research and Development Institute, Philippines |
| ISSN: | 2672-2836 0048-377X |
| Popis: | Tridacna gigas (Cardiidae: Tridacninae) is the largest extant reef-associated bivalves that occur abundantly in the Indo-West Pacific Region. However, unregulated exploitation had caused localized extinction in many parts of its distribution range. In Palawan, the species was considered virtually extinct in the 1980s, and since then, no study has been done to monitor their status in the wild. In the absence of updated studies about T. gigas, we gathered information through field reports, key informants, and field visits. Within five months of data gathering, we recorded 97 empty shells (14 in pairs and 83 single shells) with 65.86 cm (range: 42-112 cm) average shell length, which were estimated to be from 5 to >76 years old. Most (78.36%) of the empty shells were used for decoration and landscaping. On the other hand, 29 live individuals with 73.69 cm (range: 42-109 cm) average shell length were estimated to be 5 to >76 years old. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and some island resorts harbored the highest number of live T. gigas. The presence of live T. gigas in these areas reflects years of effective management and the resorts’ essential contribution to resource conservation. These remaining live individuals could be used in breeding and restocking programs to restore their lost populations. DOST-PCAARRD QMSR-MRRD-MEC-314-1543 |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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