Benthic Macroinvertebrate Diversity in Mangrove Ecosystem of Zone 6, Barangay Bula, General Santos City

Mangrove ecosystem plays a crucial role in marine communities by serving as breeding grounds for various species and indicating good water quality. Coastal intertidal sites present in General Santos has rich mangrove diversity, but economic development has led to habitat loss and degradation. This study aimed to assess the composition and abundance of benthic macroinvertebrates in different environmental gradients in the mangrove ecosystem and measure physico-chemical parameters. A total of 37 species were identified, with the highest abundance observed in mudflat areas. Most species are under not evaluated status by IUCN, 2022 and DAO. Except one, the Holothuria scabra, which has an endangered conservation status. Gastropods and hermit crabs dominated the sampling area, and the lowest abundance was recorded in mangrove patches. Biodiversity indices indicated high species richness and diversity in all gradients. Physicochemical parameters were measured and found to be within normal ranges. The presence of loam and silt substrates supported diverse benthic macrofauna, contributing to nutrient cycling and sediment stabilization. Correlation analyses revealed relationships between species abundance and environmental parameters. Murex ternispina, Semiricinula turbinoides, and Saccostrea cucullata documented the highest susceptibility to the changes in dissolved oxygen and Perna viridis showed the highest association to dissolved oxygen. These findings provide insights into the biodiversity and ecological functions of benthic macroinvertebrates in the mangrove ecosystem of the southern part of the Mindanao.