825| Biolife | 2014 | Vol 2 | Issue 3 B I O L I F E R E S E A R C H A R T I C L E POPULATION DYNAMICS OF MALACO FAUNAL ASSEMBLAGE Sanindhar Shreedhar Gaikwad 1 * and Nitin Anandrao Kamble 2 1,2 Department of Zoology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur- 416 004, (MS) India E-mail: sanindhargaikwad@rediffmail.com ABSTRACT Malaco fauna is the second largest and richest fauna after insect. It is globally distributed and acquired every possible niche of the planet earth except aerial one. It has numerous economic characteristics, amongst which bioindication is remarkdly important. Numbers of molluscan species were utilized world widely as biomonitoring agents, because of its sedentary and sessile nature. The present investigation aimed to describe the population dynamics of the molluscan fauna along with contamination level of the region. In order to describe the ecological conditions and its impact over the spatial distribution assessments of different physicochemical parameters were carried out. We conclude eight molluscan species representing six families. Species richness, abundance and evenness were evaluated in order to elucidate the diversity profile of the malaco fauna at the region. Physicochemical parameters were noted with significant variations and showed its remarked impact over the spatial and temporal distribution of the molluscs. Key words: Molluscs, Species richness, Species abundance, Pollution indices. INTRODUCTION Invertebrates are a ubiquitous and diverse group of long-lived species that react strongly and often predictable to human influences in aquatic ecosystem. Most of them are sedentary; therefore, their body burden reflects local conditions, allowing for detection of a variety of perturbations in a range of aquatic habitats (Rosenberg, 1993). Benthic invertebrates are important and integral part of any aquatic ecosystem, as they form the basis of the tropic level. Any negative effects caused by aquatic contamination in the community structure can in turn affects tropic relationships among the species. Invertebrates are biological elements required for the classification of biological status of the water body (Timm, 2008). Community studies, among invertebrate provides the standard for assessment and alteration in community occurrence (Champman, 2005). The abundance of benthic fauna greatly depends upon physical and chemical properties of substratum. Invertebrate communities changes in response to habitat alteration and physicochemical factors. The biotic structure and water quality of river reflects on ecological integration. Molluscs are common, highly visible and commercially important group of animals. Worldwide about 50,000 living and 60,000 fossilized molluscan species were recorded (Bursca, 1990). Members of phylum mollusca found abundantly in freshwater, marine water and on land (Barnes, 1980). Water quality has major influence over molluscan composition, abundance and distribution (Boesh et al., 2004, Karnkowska, 2011 and Filippenko, 2011). AN INTERNATIONAL QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY & LIFE SCIENCES 2(3):825-833 ISSN (online): 2320-4257 www.biolifejournal.com