DIVERSITY OF FIDDLER CRABS (Uca spp.) IN THE MANGROVE FOREST AREA OF PARIT 9 TUNGKAL I VILLAGE TUNGKAL ILIR DISTRICT TANJUNG JABUNG BARAT REGENCY

Abstract

The mangrove ecosystem is an important habitat for fiddler crabs (Uca spp.). Mangroves provide shelter, breeding grounds, and a food source in the form of organic matter from decaying leaves. The reduction in mangrove forest area will impact the survival of fiddler crabs because mangrove trees are their natural habitat and also provide food for these crabs. This study aims to identify the diversity and population density of fiddler crabs (Uca spp.) and to analyze the types of mangroves and their density. The method used in this research was a survey method at three observation stations, employing manual sampling techniques (hand collecting), as well as diversity analysis using the Shannon-Wiener index and mangrove density based on standard criteria from the Ministry of Environment. The results showed the presence of four species of fiddler crabs (Uca rosea, Uca forcipata, Uca coarctata, Uca dussumieri) and four types of mangroves (Sonneratia alba, Rhizophora mucronata, Avicennia alba, and Nypa fruticans). The diversity index of fiddler crabs was categorized as moderate, while mangrove density varied among stations, with tree density classified as sparse, and pole and seedling density classified as moderate and dense, respectively. This research provides important information for conservation efforts and sustainable management of the mangrove ecosystem in the region