Species composition of terrestrial gastropods in an urban conservation area: Cibinong Botanical Garden

Abstract

A study conducted in the Cibinong Botanical Garden (CBG) aimed to reveal the diversity of terrestrial gastropods. The CBG is an ex-situ conservation area for plants and has become the green space in urban ecosystems. The area is located near the city centre and only a few kilometers away from the cement industry. Research of land snails in CBG was carried out in January 2020 and March 2023. Five plots of 100 m2 were observed using the time search method. In addition, 3L of soil and leaf litter per plot were sorted and sieved to collect micro snails. In a total of 131 specimens from four families were collected. We found a land snail species endemic to Java, Landouria sp. and invasive alien species, Allopeas gracile, Allopeas clavulinum, and Lissachatina fulica. Based on iNEXT analysis, the number of species found in CBG had reached the maximum limit (SC=1). Shannon index value was 1.76 which implies low diversity. Further research is needed to understand environmental factors impacting land snail diversity in CBG. Regardless of the presence of invasive alien species, the CBG is a suitable habitat for land snails and plays an important role as a conservation oasis in urban ecosystems.