Abstract

• Rakhine Coastal Region is known in terms of biodiversity since it is dubbed by the local and international scientists as ecologically and biologically significant marine area. This research is an attempt to investigate the zonal distribution, influencing factors and faunal responses, habitat preference, abundance and determine the species diversity of molluscan species in rocky shore area of Bo Ron Ga Island, Northern Rakhine Coastal Region. This study was carried out from January to December 2020 in five study sites of Bo Ron Ga Island. There were a total of 1548 individuals of macrobenthic fauna collected encompassing 33 known species of molluscs groups. Most of the number of gastropod shells was found in Bo Ron Ga Island which constitutes about 96% of the entire collection and contributed by Nerita costata (21.22%), Nassarius globosus (17.2%), Morula nodicostata (16.11%), Nerita albicilla (12.51%) and Littoraria undulata (6.88%). In the present study, Hnget Gaung Taung was harboured with the highest species (49 spp.), followed by Pan Nantha Kyun (36 spp.), Lin Noh Kyun (34 spp.), San Taw Shin (33 spp.) and the lowest was observed at Pyin Gyi (25 spp.). In addition, maximum diversity index, equitability and correlation of habitats and species preferences of gastropods were also presented.