Herbivory effects and growth rate of invasive species, Pomacea canaliculata on different macrophytes species

Wetland ecosystems act as natural freshwater purification systems, but their rich biodiversity is being threatened with the introduction of non-native snail, Pomacea canaliculata. This study was conducted to measure herbivory effects and growth rate P. canaliculata on common macrophytes: Ipomoea aquatica, batatas, Pandanus amaryllifolius Cucurma longa. In separate experiments, macrophyte species were served snails’ food individual simultaneously. treatment, pattern based weight (mg/snail/day; n = 9) while feeding consumption (mg/snail/day) calculated from leftover food. simultaneous evaluated preference (%) observations every two hours, total (mg) remaining after a 12-hour experiment (3 replicates: 27). The results indicated that significant for snails grazing I. aquatica not when other eaten. higher using than did differ significantly. Meanwhile, C. longa deterred rate. Although consumed all macrophytes in experiment, given simultaneously, directed significantly more toward amaryfollius We conclude generalist feeder limited choice tends show strong introduced choices. These findings indicate into wetland may increase macrophytes, making these vulnerable impact eutrophication reduction.