Philippine E-Journals

A scotobiological study of the freshwater benthic gastropod, Jagora asperata (“tabagwang”): A response case in artificial light

Kristian Q. Aldea | Jimmy T. Masagca

 

Abstract:

This study employed an experimental method of two-group design. Results showed the negative response of the benthic gastropod (J. asperata) to the artificial light due to changes in their feeding and motility behaviors where weight loss was consequently recorded. Snails exposed in natural darkness at night time (both moonless and moonlit h) performed better in clinging and foraging habits; hence the gain of weight. In general, it revealed that J. asperata snails need periodic natural darkness. While the findings may be true to the snail, it may also be applied to many more organisms which artificial light responses are still poorly reflected in literature. The study recommends the limits of artificial light structures near the wild such as mountain resorts, piers and ports, river systems, mining and oil plants and water based hotels and restaurants as these infrastructures may interfere with the physiology of aquatic organisms and may environmentally results in the decline/loss of aquatic biodiversity.