Population Estimation of Periwinkles Tympanotonus Fuscatus and Parchymelania Aurita at Esuk Mba Mangrove Swamp along Cross River Estuary

Abstract

An investigation was carried out at Esuk Mba mangrove swamp to estimate the population of periwinkles, Tympanotonus fuscatus and Parchymelania aurita. Sampling was carried out weekly using the capture mark-release-recapture method for the estimation of the population. The Lincoln index was used for the calculation of the total population. The  result showed that apart from week four, the total population of T. fuscatus was higher than that of P. aurita, while apart from week three and four the density of T. fuscatus was higher than P. aurita. Generally, the total population and density of T. fuscatus was higher than P. aurita. The dry season prevalent at the time of this study and migration of P. aurita in search of shelter to avoid adverse environmental conditions were factors in the low population of P. aurita. However, the quiet waters, muddy substratum with plenty detritus as food, and absence of anthropogenic sewage inputs characteristic of the study site, were enabling factors for the high population of T. fuscatus. It was inferred that the high population of T. fuscatus was due to its ability to withstand adverse environmental conditions than P. aurita.

Keywords: Population, Periwinkles, Esuk Mba, mangrove swamp, Cross River, Estuary.