Climatic Factors Effects on Gastropods (Phylum: Mollusca): A Review of the Biodiversity of Freshwater, Marine, and Terrestrial Snails

Bibliographic Information
Authors: Ismail N.M.M.; Abuel-Enin H.M.; Ibrahim A.M.; Mansour S.M.
Journal: Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries
Publisher: Egyptian Society for the Development of Fisheries and Human Health
Publication Date: 1 July 2026
Volume / Issue: Volume 30 / Issue 4
Pages: 3795–3816
ISSN: 11106131
DOI: 10.21608/ejabf.2026.509208.8289
Scopus: View on Scopus
Document Type: Review
Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access
Authors and Affiliations
Ismail N.M.M., Department of Environmental Research, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; Abuel-Enin H.M., Department of Medical Malcology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; Ibrahim A.M., Department of Medical Malcology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; Mansour S.M., Department of Medical Malcology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
Abstract
Climate change is altering ecosystems worldwide through rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events, including heatwaves. Gastropods in freshwater, marine, and terrestrial environments are affected through changes in habitat characteristics, geographic distribution, abundance, physiology, and behavior. In freshwater systems, warming and drought can reduce dissolved oxygen and shrink suitable habitats. In marine environments, ocean acidification can impair shell formation and, under severe conditions, dissolve calcium-carbonate shells. In terrestrial habitats, increasing temperature and declining soil moisture can force snails into prolonged inactivity and increase desiccation risk. Effective climate information, predictive models, and early-warning systems are therefore essential for climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and disease-risk management. Further comparative research is needed to clarify how phylogenetic history and adaptive variation influence heat tolerance and resilience among gastropod taxa. © 2026, Egyptian Society for the Development of Fisheries and Human Health. All rights reserved.
Keywords
Adaption; Climate change; Freshwater snails; Land snails; Marine snails; SDG 13; SDG 3
Citation Information
Scopus Citations: 0
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