Effects of Physicochemical Factors and the Local Ecological Knowledge on the Population of Helicostyla Daphnis (Broderip, 1841) in Borbon and Sogod, Cebu, Philippines

Abstract

Abstract. Helicostyla daphnis (Broderip, 1841), an arboreal edible snail endemic to Cebu, Philippines that was thought to be extinct, was discovered to be still thriving. To formulate strategies for conservation of H. daphnis, a survey of selected physicochemical parameters and local ecological knowledge (LEK) that could affect its population was conducted. On each the three sites, physicochemical parameters were measured and a standardized direct search method for snails was used. LEK was gathered among fifteen snail-hunting experts. Snail total abundance significantly varied across sites in the dry season (p=0.006), being highest at Site 1(private property), and least in at Site 2 (tree plantation). Snails were found to be more abundant in the dry season than the wet (dry=306; wet=152) but significant only at Site 1. Adult snails were the most dominant among the age categories in both the dry and wet seasons. Neonates, comprising 5% of the sampled population, were found only in the wet season. Relative humidity and air temperature were the major determinants of the total abundance. However LEK gathered pointed out that overharvesting and habitat destruction could be major contributors as well. Ficus leucantatoma, Buchananiaar borescens and Artocarpus heterophyllus are the vegetation most prefered by H. daphnis, according to LEK.