Taxonomy and Distribution of Recent Benthic Foraminifera from the Savitri Estuary, West Coast of India, Maharashtra

Abstract: Foraminifera have thrived in a wide range of aquatic habitats, including the depths of the oceans, brackish lagoons, estuaries, and, on rare occasions, in freshwater streams and lakes.In the present study, environmental variables and benthic foraminiferal assemblages were studied using17 samples obtained from various sites along the Savitri River. These samples comprised live specimens, as well as surface and subsurface (shallow core) samples.To know their distribution in, the present study has been undertaken nine stations starting from Velas to Umroli. Benthic foraminiferal taxa belonging to six sub orders(Textularina, Milolina, Lagenina and Rotalina), 16 super families, 20 families, 25 genera and 31species have been identified.Among the 31 species, five species Lagena semistriata Williamson, Bolivina striatula d’ Orbigny, Rosalina bradyi Cushman, Ammonia tepida and Elphidium advenum Cushman are considered to be abundant species of thepresent study.Higher diversity and population of foraminifera is noticed in the samples collected in the Bankot Jetty, because of their favourable niche. As moving towards landward locations, the lower diversity and population are observed. The substrate of present study area is seen to consist of Silty clay, Sand,Silty sand and Sand. Among these, silty sand provides the most favourable conditions for a higher population density. The primary ecological factors influencing the distribution of foraminifera in this area are the organic matter content and the characteristics of the substrate