Original Article

Distribution, habitat characteristics, and conservation status of Noah’s clam Tridacna noae (Röding, 1798) in the reefs of Palawan, Philippines

Niño Jess Mar F. Mecha
College of Fisheries and Natural Sciences, Western Philippines University, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to provide an updated distribution range of Tridacna noae (Röding, 1798) in Palawan with notes on its habitat characteristics and conservation status. Data on the distribution and habitat characteristics were obtained from reef assessments from 2010-2023 and 10 Key Informants (KIs) and plotted using QGIS v3.28 software to illustrate its distribution in a map. A total of 12 reef sites within 8 municipalities in Palawan showed the presence of T. noae. Majority of these reefs were found in open-access coastal areas facing the West Philippine Sea. The clams were partially buried or settled on the top of dead or live coral in a depth of 1-5 meters from reef flat to reef slope surrounded by macroalgae. Tridacna noae remained unlisted in international, national, and local lists of protected species although it was confirmed in 2014 as a distinct species of giant clam, hence; the inclusion of T. noae in the lists of protected species in the Philippines is needed. Knowing the distribution, habitat characteristics, and conservation status of a certain threatened species such as the giant clam is an important step in managing and conserving wild population.

Keywords: QGIS, remote sensing, teardrops giant clams, threatened species

^{Available Online: 28 July 2025}

How to Cite
Mecha NJMF. 2025. Distribution, habitat characteristics, and conservation status of Noah’s clam Tridacna noae (Röding, 1798) in the reefs of Palawan, Philippines. The Palawan Scientist, 17(2): 43-51. https://doi.org/10.69721/TPS.J.2025.17.2.05

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