Investigating the species diversity of land snails (Mollusca: Gastropoda) of the natural monument Khoshkedaran forest in Mazandaran province using DNA barcoding technique

Land snails, known for their exceptional diversity inhabit various environments, including forests. The Hyrcanian forests in northern Iran are one of the most important habitats for this group of terrestrial mollusks. The main objective of this study was to identify land snails inhabiting the Khoshkedaran Forest, a significant habitat in the Hyrcanian area using both morphological taxonomy and DNA barcoding methods. Gathered samples were classified at the family level based on their morphological characteristics such as shell size and color, presence of operculum, and open or closed umbilicus. Subsequently, a subset of 2-3 individuals from each family underwent genetic analysis. Following laboratory procedures, the obtained genetic sequences underwent thorough analysis, including the determination of an evolutionary model, calculation of genetic distances, and constructed phylogenetic tree. The collected samples could be categorized into four families, five genera, and six species. No sequences in the Gene Bank matched the sequence attributed to Caspicyclotus sieversi. Therefore, the identification of this species was reliant on morphological techniques. Being the first DNA barcoding study on land snails in the Hyrcanian forests, this research has offered significant contributions to understanding the biodiversity of the region. By extending the scope of the study to encompass a broader area and employing more comprehensive statistical analyses of snail populations, we can obtain detailed information on the land snail diversity within the Hyrcanian forests. This valuable information plays a pivotal role in the effective management and conservation of this exceptional ecosystem.