Environmental influences on the abundance and distribution of gastropods in Edu Local Government Area, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Schistosomiasis transmission in endemic regions involves various bulinid species of freshwater gastropods, whose distribution and abundance are influenced by environmental factors. While much research has focused on disease prevalence, this study examines the ecological factors shaping gastropod species abundance and distribution, with a focus on bulinid species in Edu LGA. Snail abundance was collected fortnightly over twelve months, covering both rainy and dry seasons, using a standardized snail scoop net. Environmental variables were measured with standard meters. Data analysis was performed with Canoco 5.15 using GLM and RDA, and a significant level of p < 0.05 was considered. A total of 4,760 snails belonging to eight species were recovered. Dominant bulinid species included Bulinus jousseaumei, Bulinus globosus, and Biomphalaria pfeifferi, each exhibiting distinct seasonal abundance and distribution patterns that were significantly associated with environmental variables. Bulinus jousseaumei demonstrated a significant negative relationship with water depth. Bulinus globosus responded significantly to water temperature, alkalinity, and water depth. Biomphalaria pfeifferi showed significant responses to water temperature, conductivity (R² = 11.1%, p = 0.00425). The findings revealed that water temperature, alkalinity, and conductivity were key predictors of gastropod species abundance and distribution. Understanding these relationships is crucial for ecological management and controlling snail intermediate hosts in freshwater ecosystems.