ABUNDANCE, DISTRIBUTION AND DIVERSITY OF FRESHWATER SNAILS IN UGWOLAWO AREA OF KOGI STATE
Abstract
This study assessed the abundance, distribution, and diversity of freshwater snails in two sites
within Ugwolawo (Aji-Udaba Ofu and Aji-Okputa), Kogi State, using weekly field sampling,
morphological identification, and diversity indices (Shannon and Simpson). A total of 94
individuals representing five species—Bellamya unicolor, Bellamya jucunda, Pila wernei,
Pila ovata, and Pila globosa—were recorded. Pila wernei was the dominant species, while B.
jucunda was found only at Aji-Udaba Ofu, indicating site-specific habitat suitability. Species
richness and individual counts were higher at Aji-Udaba Ofu (5 species; 63 individuals)
compared to Aji-Okputa (4 species; 31 individuals). Diversity indices also indicated greater
ecological stability at Aji-Udaba Ofu (Shannon H′ = 1.49; Simpson = 0.74) than at AjiOkputa (H′ = 1.14; Simpson = 0.61). These findings expand the documentation of molluscan
fauna in Ugwolawo and provide baseline evidence for ecological monitoring, conservation
planning, and public-health surveillance in Kogi State.
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