Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Spatial distribution patterns of Littoraria species in Hong Kong mangroves

  • Published:
Hydrobiologia Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Variation in the abundance and distribution of two species of mangrove littorinid was investigated using a nested sampling design at different spatial scales, in the two dominant seasons, in Hong Kong. The abundance of Littoraria melanostoma, which was less abundant than L. ardouiniana, showed large-scale spatial variation whilst abundance of L. ardouiniana varied on both large and smaller spatial scales and interacted with seasons, indicating that the abundance of this species varied between mangroves in summer and winter. Small-scale variation suggested a patchy distribution of littorinids within a mangrove, whilst the large-scale variation might reflect changes in physical factors possibly associated with habitat fragmentation. Investigation of the vertical distribution of the littorinids on the mangrove trees revealed that L. melanostoma were located at a lower overall level than L. ardouiniana. This zonation pattern may be a result of the morphological differences of the two species, as L. melanostoma has a thick shell, whilst L. ardouiniana has a thinner, but colour polymorphic shell. Both species of mangrove littorinid showed patchy distributions at a variety of scales and these patterns highlight the importance of using a hierarchical sampling approach when investigating spatially fragmented habitats.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Berry, A. J. & E. Chew, 1973. Reproductive systems and cyclic release of eggs in Littorina melanostoma from Malayan mangrove swamps (Mollusca: Gastropoda). J. Zool., Lond. 171: 333-344.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bingham, F. O., 1972. Influence of environmental stimuli on the direction of movement of the supralittoral gastropod Littorina irrorata. Bull. mar. Sci. 22: 309-335.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boneka, F. B., 1994. Coexistence of Littoraria scabra and Littoraria pallescens (Gastropoda: Littorinidae) in northern Sulawesi, Indonesia. Phuket mar. biol. Cent. Spec. Publ. 13: 147-151.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown, J. H., D. W. Mehlman & G. C. Stevens, 1995. Spatial variation in abundance. Ecology 76: 2028-2043.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chang, H., B. Wang, Y. Hu, R. Miao, Y. Lu, S. Yu, P. P. H. But & Y. Chung, 1985. Mangroves of Hong Kong. Ecol. Sci. 2: 1-8.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cintron, C. & Y. Schaefer-Novelli, 1984. Methods for studying mangrove structure. In Snedaker, S. C. & J. G. Snedaker (eds), The Mangrove Ecosystem: Research Methods. UNESCO, Paris: 91-113.

    Google Scholar 

  • Crowe, T. P., 1999. Limits to generality: seasonal and temporal variation in dispersal of an intertidal gastropod. J. exp. mar. Biol. Ecol. 232: 177-196.

    Google Scholar 

  • Duncan, R. S. & W. A. Szelistowski, 1998. Influence of puffer predation on vertical distribution of mangrove littorinids in the Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica. Oecologia 117: 433-442.

    Google Scholar 

  • Evans, F., 1965. The effect of light on zonation of the four periwinkles, Littorina littorea (L.), L. obtusata (L.), L. saxatilis (Olivi) and Melarapha neritoides (L.) in an experimental tidal tank. Neth. J. Sea Res. 2: 556-565.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hawkins, S. J. & R. G. Hartnoll, 1983. Grazing on intertidal algae by marine invertebrates. Oceanogr. Marine Biol. Ann. Rev. 21: 195-282.

    Google Scholar 

  • Henry, R. P., C. J. McBride & A. H. Williams, 1993. Responses of the marsh periwinkle, Littoraria (Littorina) irrorata to temperature, salinity and desiccation, and the potential physiological relationship to climbing behavior. Mar. Behav. Physiol. 24: 45-54.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hyde, K. D. & S. Y. Lee, 1995. Ecology of mangrove fungi and their role in nutrient cycling: what gaps occur in our knowledge? Hydrobiologia 295: 107-118.

    Google Scholar 

  • Johannesson, K., 1988. The paradox of Rockall: why is a brooding gastropod (Littorina saxatilis) more widespread than one having a planktonic larval dispersal stage (L. littorea)? Mar. Biol. 99: 507-513.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaehler, S. & G. A. Williams, 1996. Distribution of algae on tropical rocky shores: spatial and temporal patterns of non-coralline encrusting algae in Hong Kong. Mar. Biol. 125: 177-187.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kohlmeyer, J. & B. Bebout, 1986. On the occurrence of marine fungi in the diet of Littorina angulifera and observations on the behavior of the periwinkle. Mar. Ecol. 7: 333-343.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lean, G., D. Hinrichsen & A. Markham, 1990. Atlas of the Environment. Prentica Hall Press, New York: 192 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee, H. K., 2001. The feeding ecology of Littoraria species in Hong Kong mangroves. PhD Thesis. The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong: 201 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee, O. H. K. & M. S. Davies, 2000. Mucous production and morphometrics in the mangrove littorinids, Littoraria melanostoma and L. ardouiniana. In Morton, B. (ed.), The Tenth International Marine Biological Workshop: The Marine Flora and Fauna of Hong Kong and Southern China, vol. V. Hong Kong University Press, Hong Kong: 241-253.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee, O. H. K., G. A. Williams & K. D. Hyde, 2001. The diets of Littoraria ardouiniana and L. melanostoma in Hong Kong mangroves. J. mar. biol. Ass. U.K. 81: 967-973.

    Google Scholar 

  • Li, M. S. & S. Y. Lee, 1997. Mangroves of China: a brief review. For. Ecol. Manage. 96: 241-259.

    Google Scholar 

  • McMahon, R. F. & J. C. Britton, 1985. The relationship between vertical distribution, thermal tolerance, evaporative water loss rate, and behaviour on emergence in six species of mangrove gastropods from Hong Kong. In Morton, B. & D. Dudgeon (eds), Proceedings of the Second International Workshop on the Malacofauna of Hong Kong. Hong Kong University Press, Hong Kong: 563-582.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morrisey, D. J., L. Howitt, A. J. Underwood & J. S. Stark, 1992a. Spatial variation in soft-sediment benthos. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 81: 197-204.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morrisey, D. J., A. J. Underwood, L. Howitt, & J. S. Stark, 1992b. Temporal variation in soft-sediment benthos. J. exp. mar. Biol. Ecol. 164: 233-245.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morton, B. & J. Morton, 1983. The Sea Shore Ecology of Hong Kong. Hong Kong University Press, Hong Kong: 350 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ohgaki, S. I., 1992. Distribution and movement of the mangrove Littoraria (Gastropoda) on Ishigaki Island, Okinawa. Venus 51: 269-278.

    Google Scholar 

  • Plaziat, J. C., 1984. Mollusk distribution in the mangal. In Por, F. D. & Dor, I. (eds), Hydrobiology of the Mangal. Dr W. Junk Publishers, The Hague: 111-143.

    Google Scholar 

  • Por, F. D. & I. Dor, 1984. Hydrobiology of the Mangal: the Ecosystem of the Mangrove Forests. Dr W Junk Publishers, The Hague: 260 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reid, D. G., 1985. Habitat and zonation patterns of Littoraria species (Gastropoda: Littorinidae) in Indo-Pacific mangrove forests. Biol. J. linn. Soc. 26: 39-68.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reid, D. G., 1986. The Littorinid Molluscs of Mangrove Forests in the Indo-Pacific Region: the Genus Littoraria. British Museum (Natural History), London: 227 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reid, D. G., 1989. The comparative morphology, phylogeny and evolution of the gastropod family Littorinidae. Phil. Trans. r. Soc., Lond. B 324: 1-110.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reid, D. G., 1991. The evolution of spawn and larval development in the Littorinidae (Gastropoda, Prosobranchia). In Proceedings of the Tenth International Malacological Congress: 515-516.

  • Reid, D. G. 1992a. The gastropod family Littorinidae in Hong Kong. In Morton, B. (ed.), The Marine Flora and Fauna of Hong Kong and Southern China, vol. III. Hong Kong University Press, Hong Kong: 187-210.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reid, D. G., 1992b. Predation by crabs on Littoraria species (Littorinidae) in a Queensland mangrove forest. In Grahame, J., P. J. Mill & D. G. Reid (eds), Proceedings of the Third International Symposium on Littorinid Biology. The Malacological Society of London, London: 141-151.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reid, D. G., 1999. The phylogeny of Littoraria (Gastropoda: Littorinidae): an example of the practice and application of cladistic analysis. Phuket mar. biol. Cent. Spec. Publ. 19: 283-322.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sadaba, R. B., L. L. P. Vrijmoed, E. B. G. Jones & I. J. Hodgkiss, 1995. Observations on vertical distribution of fungi associated with standing senescent Acanthus ilicifolius stems at Mai Po Mangrove, Hong Kong. Hydrobiologia 295: 119-126.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scheltema, R. S., 1971. Larval dispersal as a means of genetic exchange between geographically separated populations of shallow-water benthic marine gastropods. Biol. Bull. 140: 284-322.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sin, Y. S. & K. W. Chau, 1992. Eutrophication studies on Tolo Harbour, Hong Kong. Wat. Sci. Tech. 26: 2551-2554.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spalding, M., F. Blasco & C. Field, 1997. The World Mangrove Atlas. The International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems, Okinawa, Japan: 178 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tam, N. F. Y. & Y. S. Wong, 1997. Ecological Study on Mangrove Stands in Hong Kong. City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tam, N. F. Y., Y. S. Wong, C. Y. Lu & R. Berry, 1997. Mapping and characterization of mangrove plant communities in Hong Kong. Hydrobiologia 352: 25-37.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thrush, S. F., R. D. Pridmore & J. E. Hewitt, 1994. Impacts on softsediment macrofauna: the effects of spatial variation on temporal trends. Ecol. Appl. 4: 31-41.

    Google Scholar 

  • Underwood, A. J., 1997. Experiments in Ecology: Their Logical Design and Interpretation Using Analysis of Variance. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge: 504 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Underwood, A. J. & M. G. Chapman, 1996. Scales of spatial patterns of distribution of intertidal invertebrates. Oecologia 107: 212-224.

    Google Scholar 

  • Walthew, G., 1995. The distribution of mangrove-associated gastropod snails in Hong Kong. Hydrobiologia 295: 335-342.

    Google Scholar 

  • Warren, J., 1985. Climbing as an avoidance behaviour in the salt marsh periwinkle, Littorina irrorata (Say). J. exp. mar. Biol. Ecol. 89: 11-28.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yipp, M. W., C. H. Hau & G. Walthew, 1995. Conservation evaluation of nine Hong Kong mangals. Hydrobiologia 295: 323-333.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ecology & Biodiversity, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong

    Olive H. K. Lee & Gray A. Williams

Authors
  1. Olive H. K. Lee
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Gray A. Williams
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Lee, O.H.K., Williams, G.A. Spatial distribution patterns of Littoraria species in Hong Kong mangroves. Hydrobiologia 481, 137–145 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021241810526

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021241810526

Search

Navigation