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Ocypode ceratophthalmus as a potential bioindicator for human disturbance on sandy beaches in Singapore
Author
Yong, Adeline Yean Pin
Supervisor
Lim, Shirley S. L.
Abstract
Density and spatial distribution of the burrows of the ghost crab, Ocypode ceratophthalmus (Pallas, 1772) on the wave-washed beaches at Pulau Hantu and East Coast Park, Singapore were studied. Burrow diameter, distance of each burrow from the high water mark, mean sediment compactness, and mean particle sizes of the sediment were compared among nine sites (two island and seven mainland) with different levels of human impact. Lower burrow densities, smaller mean particle size, and more compact sediment were recorded at the more disturbed beaches. Mean burrow densities at the sites without boating activity were higher, regardless of high or low disturbance. Burrow distribution was random at all beaches although more burrows were observed near the low water level with more human activity at the shores. Pulau Hantu and East Coast Park had only 0.1 % (n = 326) and 7.3 % (n = 823) of juvenile burrows, respectively, indicating a low recruitment rate of juvenile ghost crabs. These results provide quantitative evidence that human activities affect the abundance of O. ceratophthalmus, thereby establishing its potential as a bioindicator to assess the extent of human impact on the sandy beaches of Singapore.
Date Issued
2009
Call Number
QL444.M33 Yon
Date Submitted
2009