A pioneer survey and DNA barcoding of some commonly found gastropod molluscs on Robben Island

A survey of gastropod molluscs on Robben Island revealed unexpected absences of invasive species that are widespread elsewhere in South Africa. Unlike the Cape peninsula, where the South American bisexual mussel (Semimytilusalgosus) and beaded topshells (Oxysteleimpervia) thrive, these species were not found on Robben Island. The study used morphology and DNA barcoding to identify 19 gastropod species, including introduced dune snails and European brown garden snails, challenging assumptions about the island's biodiversity. This finding suggests that factors such as environmental conditions or historical introductions may influence the presence of invasive species in this unique marine environment.

Greenfield, R., & Van Der Bank, H. (2015). A pioneer survey and DNA barcoding of some commonly found gastropod molluscs on Robben Island. ZooKeys, 481, 15–23. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.481.8188