SURVEY OF MOLLUSCS DIVERSITY IN VASAI-VIRAR BEACHES, PALGHAR DISTRICT, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA

Biodiversity of bivalves and gastropods at Suruchi beach, Bhuigaon beach, Kalamb beach, Rajodi beach and Arnala beach was assessed in this study. These beaches have different habitat like sandy, muddy and rocky shores. Anthropogenic activities like recreational activities, boat paint and repairs, fishing activities, etc. are observed regularly at these beaches. Booming agricultural activities carried out by tribal community disturbing the original habitat at Suruchi and Rajodi beach. Emergence of new water parks and eatery corners are attracting tourist at Bhuigaon, Kalamb and Arnala beach. Bright coloured calcareous covering of these organisms are collected due to its aesthetic value for jewellery making and decorative artefacts. These soft bodied organisms are used for consumption on a large scale as source of food. As it is rich in minerals and proteins it is used for it medicinal properties. Gastropods are considered as one of the important link of food chain and food web. Many migratory birds and residential birds observed on these five study stations depend on mollusc as source of nutrient. Gastropods also help in maintaining water quality making them an important bio-indicator. This study was done in order to bring awareness about the richness in biodiversity of gastropods and other mollusc species in these selected areas. A total count of 80 species belonging to 33 families of gastropods and bivalves were observed. Study was carried from November-2018 to October-2019 by hand-picked method. In family of Naticidae and Veneridae, seven species of each was observed. Occurrence of six species of Nassariidae family and four species of Mitridae family have been recorded.