• Dr. Rashmi P. Joshi
• Devika Nilesh Pathar

Abstract: Mollusca is one of the most diverse and ecologically significant invertebrate phyla, comprising a wide range of taxa that occupy marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems. Molluscs contribute substantially to aquatic food webs, nutrient cycling, benthic processes, biodiversity maintenance, and ecosystem functioning, while several species also have considerable economic and biomedical importance. Accurate assessment of molluscan diversity depends largely on appropriate sampling, collection, preservation, and taxonomic identification methods. This review synthesises commonly used approaches for collecting and studying molluscan fauna, including handpicking, sediment sieving, quadrat sampling, net sampling, grab samplers, and macrophyte-associated sampling. Their applicability varies according to habitat type, water depth, substrate characteristics, organism size, mobility, and ecological niche. The review also highlights the importance of proper specimen handling, preservation, stereomicroscopic examination, morphological characterisation, and the use of standardised taxonomic keys for reliable identification. Contemporary approaches integrating morphological identification with photographic documentation, molecular tools, and quantitative ecological analyses can further improve the accuracy and reproducibility of molluscan diversity assessments. Anthropogenic disturbances, habitat alteration, pollution, and seasonal environmental changes can significantly influence molluscan communities, emphasising the need for systematic and standardised monitoring. This review provides a consolidated methodological framework for molluscan sampling and biodiversity assessment and identifies important considerations for future ecological and taxonomic investigations.

molluscan diversity; sampling methods; taxonomic identification; benthic fauna; bioindicators; aquatic ecosystems.

"Taxonomic Approaches to Molluscan Collection And Identification: A Review", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 9, page no.c796-c804, September-2026, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2609287.pdf

"Taxonomic Approaches to Molluscan Collection And Identification: A Review", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 9, page no. ppc796-c804, September-2026, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2609287.pdf