Diversity and Community Structure of Benthic Macrofauna in Ashtamudi Lake, Kerala: Implications for Estuarine Health and Productivity
Alexander T1*
Abstract
The present study investigates the diversity and community structure of benthic macrofauna in Ashtamudi Lake, a Ramsar-designated estuarine wetland ecosystem on the southwest coast of India. Sampling conducted during June – July 2024 across six locations revealed 78 taxa representing 29 families, highlighting remarkable species richness and ecological complexity. Dominant species included Villorita cyprinoids, Bursa rana, Harpa conoidalis, Murex trapa, and Telescopium telescopium, reflecting a balanced multi-trophic assemblage of filter feeders, grazers, and predators. Quantitative analysis indicated a Shannon–Wiener Diversity Index (H) of 4.459 and Pielou’s Evenness (J) approaching 1.0, signifying exceptionally high diversity and uniform distribution of individuals across taxa. The rank abundance curve showed a flattened pattern, further confirming minimal dominance and a stable benthic structure. These results collectively demonstrate a mature, resilient ecosystem supported by habitat heterogeneity, efficient nutrient cycling, and minimal ecological stress. The coexistence of commercially important and ecologically sensitive species underscores both the productivity and conservation significance of the lake. The findings provide valuable baseline data for long-term ecological monitoring and emphasize the importance of benthic macrofauna as reliable indicators of estuarine health and functional integrity in tropical wetland ecosystems.
Keywords:
Benthic macrofauna, Ashtamudi Lake, Species diversity, Estuarine ecosystem, Ecological stability
