Abstract:
Studies on distribution and abundance of macrobenthos have successfully been done
at mangrove area ofTumpat, Kelantan on September 2006. The aim of this study is to
determine the group composition of macrobenthos in mangrove area of Tumpat,
Kelantan and to compare the species distribution of macrobenthos between
mangroves replanted area, cleared area and natural mangrove forest. A total of 6714
individuals of macrobenthos from 135 cores were collected. There are seven
taxonomic groups of macrobenthos found at study sites, namely Molluska, Annelida,
Gastropoda, Branchyura, Bivalves, Sipuncula and Crustacea. Gastropoda is the most
dominant taxonomic group and are present in all five sampling stations. Diversity
(H') is highest at Pulau Mas reaching the value of2.043. The highest of macrobenthos
Richness (R') is also found at Pulau Mas with d=l.352 and Evenness (J'= 1.613) is
higher at Pulau Layang-Layang. Environmental factors and sediment size analysis
that might affect their abundance and distribution of macrobenthos is discussed in the
thesis proper.
