Biological Sciences

Niche creation for cryptofauna by teredinid bivalves in mangrove ecosystems.

Ian Hendy Ian Hendy

Area of Research:

The bivalve family Teredinidae have a close association with tropical mangrove habitats. The teredinid and mangrove relationship is exacerbated by the amount of available substrate (high abundance of felled trees), and the intricate hydrodynamics indicative of mangrove systems, which facilitates the distribution of the woodborers. Plant-animal research within mangrove ecosystems is limited. Furthermore, information to demonstrate the effect of teredinid activity within mangrove habitats is particularly restricted. Current research only provides rough estimates of the level of wood processed by the teredinids; this magnifies the problem of understanding the nutrient flow within the trophic levels of mangrove systems. If an accurate quantitative method can be established to quantify the volume of wood consumed, a precise conclusion can be achieved to determine the carbon flux during the decomposition of mangrove wood. The boring activity of the teredinids creates extensive burrows within the wood substratum. It is known that the teredinid burrows are home to cryptofauna populations, which may not otherwise be found in mangrove habitats (if it was not for the burrows created by the teredinids).

Mangrove diagram

Aims & Objectives:

The aim of my research is to characterise the role of teredinids in a mangrove ecosystem. To achieve this, I will determine:

  • The rate of teredinid larval settlement and recruitment upon large woody debris
  • The processing of large woody debris by teredinid activity
  • To highlight the importance of teredinid burrows towards cryptofauna, with consideration to the trophodynamics of mangrove ecosystems

The proposed methods will be employed to investigate the importance of teredinids in mangrove ecosystem function and will also endeavour to characterise the role of teredinids in niche creation from mangroves and in temperate waters.

AffiliationsOperation Wallacea

My initial research will be conducted in Indonesia, Kaledupa Island, with the major help of Operation Wallacea, an ecologically based foundation, which enables researchers such like my self to conduct and complete their field work over seas. For more information of Operation Wallacea, please refer to their web site: www.opwall.com