Abstract

Mangroves are complex systems along the coastlines that offer significant ecological services while meeting human needs; however, they are being increasingly subjected to human impact in the rapidly developing areas. This narrative report outlines the physical field trips and the identification of molluscs undertaken on 1 November 2025 in the Klang mangrove coastal ecosystem in Selangor, Malaysia, for a Master’s dissertation. The research employs an observational approach, involving the field collection of data on mangrove environment features, molluscs presence, and human activities to develop baseline ecological information necessary for coastal management. Fieldwork was done through a rented motorized boat from a local Klang jetty. The observation included mangrove fringe, tidal creek, and inland forest parts. Molluscs, including Nerita spp., Telescopium telescopium, arboreal snails, and slugs, were collected from muddy substrate, mangrove trunks, mangrove root, and woody debris, demonstrating their affinity to microhabitat structures and sediments. Parallel observations of shoreline alterations, vessel passage, industrial structures, and debris deposition provided an appreciation of the impacts of human actions on mangrove ecology. By presenting detailed field observations supported by photographic documentation, this study demonstrates that basic ecological fieldwork remains a prerequisite for understanding mangrove condition and informing sustainable coastal management. The paper argues that narrative, ground-level observations complement spatial and policy-level analyses by revealing fine-scale ecological realities essential for effective decision-making in complex coastal landscapes.

Keywords:Mangrove ecosystem; Molluscs; Field observation; Coastal management; Klang, Malaysia