Influence of environmental factors on biodiversity and spatiotemporal distribution of terrestrial gastropods in the Mila region, Algeria

This study assesses the diversity, abundance, and spatiotemporal distribution of terrestrial gastropods in the Mila region, northeastern Algeria, in relation to environmental factors. Sampling at eight sites identified nine species belonging to four families. Cornu aspersum and Cantareus apertus were the dominant and constant species, occurring at all sites. Gastropod abundance varied significantly among sites and months, with a marked winter peak, particularly in January (B = 0.834, SE = 0.134, z = 6.216, p < 0.001), followed by a decline in spring and summer. GLMM analyses confirmed significant negative effects of temperature (B = −0.056, p < 0.001), vegetation cover (B = −0.018, p < 0.001), and electrical conductivity (B = −0.703, p = 0.041) on total abundance. Vegetation cover also reduced Shannon diversity but increased evenness and Simpson dominance. Evenness also increased with temperature (B = 0.049, p = 0.017), whereas Simpson dominance decreased (B = −0.013, p = 0.026). Overall, these three factors were the main environmental drivers associated with gastropod abundance and community structure, highlighting the importance of seasonal and local habitat conditions in shaping gastropod communities. They further suggest that Cornu aspersum and Cantareus apertus could serve as potential bioindicators of soil quality and environmental conditions.