DISTRIBUTION, DENSITY AND IDENTIFICATION OF GIANT CLAMS IN COASTAL AREA OF NEGERI MORELLA (THE DISTRICT OF LEIHITU, CENTRAL MALUKU REGENCY, INDONESIA)

Abstract

Giant clams are protected biota both nationally and internationally. The coastal area of Negeri Morella, the District of Leihitu, Central Maluku Regency, Maluku is one of the areas as the habitat of these giant clams. This study aims to identify the types of clams, conduct ecological studies covering density, diversity index of Tridacninae shells in Central Maluku, especially in Negeri Morella. Implementation of the clam population survey is conducted by using UVC (Underwater Visual Census). The results show that ofthe ten (10) samples in the observation station, 91 individuals of giant clams under the type of Tridacna squamosa and Tridacna crocea. The giant clams found in the coastal waters of Negeri Morella has a small size; in the depth of 1-5 m, 87 giant clams were found in various sizes with a length of 2-30 cm, and in the depth of 5-10 m, only four (4) giant clams with a length of 11-30 cm. The population density obtained was 45.5 individuals/ha, the value of Diversity Index (H') was 0.69, the Uniformity Index (E) ranged from 0-1, and the Dominance Index (D) of 0.505.