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A Study of Water and Soil Factors Affecting the Diversity of Fiddler Crabs in the Hin Hua Chang Mangrove Forest, Tha Kham Subdistrict, Palian District, Trang Province
Organization(s):Wichienmatu
Country:Thailand
Student(s):Miss Assamaporn Chumruang
Miss Krittaporn Kaewlamun
Miss Punika Inchum
Grade Level:Secondary School (grades 9-12, ages 14-18)
GLOBE Member(s):Jiraporn Sirirat
Contributors:Miss Jiraporn Sirirat
Miss Naeriya Tonkrongchan
Report Type(s):Virtual Science Symposium Report
Protocols:pH, Salinity, Water Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen, Soil Temperature, Soil pH, Soil Fertility, Soil Moisture - Gravimetric, Soil Characterization
Presentation Poster:
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Language(s):English
Date Submitted:2026-01-30
This study examined the diversity of fiddler crabs in the Hin Hua Chang mangrove forest, Tha Kham Subdistrict, Palian District, Trang Province. Water quality data was collected from 3 points and soil characteristics from 6 points. Five species of fiddler crabs were found: Uca perplexa, Uca urvillei, Uca annulipes, Minuca vocator, and Minuca marguerita. Uca perplexa was found throughout the area, demonstrating its ability to adapt to diverse environments, while the other species were found only in areas with suitable environmental conditions.
Water quality measurements showed salinity ranging from 17.7–25.0 ppt, water temperature from 29–32°C, pH approximately 6–6.5, and dissolved oxygen ranging from 4.5–6 mg/L, which are within the range suitable for the survival of benthic marine animals. This indicates that the study area can support several species of fiddler crabs.
Environmental factors and soil properties in the fiddler crab-infested areas revealed that the soil structure was predominantly sandy loam and sandy soil. The soil salinity in the areas where fiddler crabs were found was also significant. The values ranged from 7260 – 9470 ppm, and the soil fertility had N values in the area.