Results & Conclusion

Our results indicated that the population estimate is around 99,800 individuals with a 95% confidence range of 95,616-103,985 individuals in the 1000m^2 area. This results in a density of 25.15 individuals per meter squared. While taking the data, we realized that it would be impossible to gather an entire census, as the population is so dense and environmental factors such as the tide would limit our abilities. This method was the best way to go. If we had used a transect model, the data would have been skewed, as the population density was not equally spread over the sample area; there were less snails present on the rocky shore than in the tide pools, and the most directly in the surf edge.
The population estimate method we employed could be easily used for many other locations in Montana de Oro State Park, Morro Bay, and even along he coast of California. These methods could also be utilized over time to provide an accessible understanding of the population dynamics of the Tegula funebralis Gastropoda snail. Although the turban sea snails are not endangered, using their population dynamics model, data could be extrapolated to draw inferences on populations both interacting and depending upon the turban sea snails. They could also be used in conservation efforts to provide sanctuary to other endangered species.

Table 1. The actual counts of the individuals found in each of the 20 quadrate sampled.

Table 2. The statistical data of the population estimate generated from the mean of the individuals from Table 1 and the study sample area of 1000m^2.