The silent extinction of freshwater mussels in Portugal

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 285, P. 110244 - 110244

Published: Aug. 23, 2023

Freshwater mussels are one of the most threatened animal groups in world. In European Union, and protected mussel species not adequately monitored, while considered to be common widespread receive even less attention. This is particularly worrying Mediterranean region, where endemism high freshwater habitats severely affected by water scarcity. absence hard data on population trends, we report here a long-term comparison assemblages at 132 sites covering 15 different hydrological basins Portugal. study reveals decline 60 % number 67 overall abundance across Portugal over last 20 years, indicating that all rapidly declining with extinction. These results show current legislation conservation measures largely ineffective highlight importance updating Habitats Directive enforce standard monitoring protocols for Union extend other thought widespread. Efficient management, restrictions irrigation expansion important biodiversity areas, mitigation changes loss aquatic habitat connectivity caused physical alterations urgently needed reverse these trends. For endangered Margaritifera margaritifera, Potomida littoralis, Unio tumidiformis, populations now critically low, more urgent action needed, such as ex-situ conservation, protection remaining large-scale restoration.

Language: Английский

---

Collapse of native freshwater mussel populations: Prospects of a long-term study

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 279, P. 109931 - 109931

Published: Feb. 8, 2023

Freshwater biodiversity is under threat, but long-term quantitative studies showing major demographic declines in invertebrate species are still scarce. Here we focus on a study (2004 to 2019) using four native freshwater mussel (Order Unionida) colonizing two canals of the Ebro River (Spain). Special attention was given Pseudunio auricularius (Spengler, 1793), critically endangered species. Generalized linear mixed models results showed significant temporal effects densities, with continuous decline all present, being Anodonta anatina, Potomida littoralis and Unio mancus now considered locally extinct. present studied canals, at very low densities (0.01 ind/m2). Capture-recapture data P. show progressive its survival probability, down 0.15 2020 Canal Imperial de Aragón, although Tauste it remains close 1. Based these results, discuss several hypotheses that may explain this rapid collapse unionid populations. Given precarious conservation status mussels both effective management measures should be urgently applied, including habitat restoration captive breeding.

Language: Английский

---

Functional interactions of non-native aquatic fauna with European freshwater bivalves: implications for management

Hydrobiologia, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 4, 2023

Abstract Freshwater bivalves are key faunal elements of aquatic ecosystems. Native species declines paralleled by increasing distribution and abundances non-native species. Appropriate management both groups depends on knowledge their interactions, which remains limited. Herein, we systematically review the current status native in Europe, analyzing functional interactions as well niche overlaps between We also existing tools for light applicability sustainability. Strong multiple already exist Central especially with regard to Dreissena spp., Corbicula Sinanodonta woodiana . Direct competition is low that have a high degree specialization such Margaritifera margaritifera , whereas greatest overlap occurs generalist Anadonta anatina Unio pictorum S. Early detection preventive measures against undesired most successful limiting spread. Most methods managing unspecific thus include side effects endangered The conservation restoration functionally intact bivalve habitats sustainable resilient ways management.

Language: Английский

---

Streams in the Mediterranean Region are not for mussels: Predicting extinctions and range contractions under future climate change

The Science of The Total Environment, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 883, P. 163689 - 163689

Published: April 24, 2023

Language: Английский

---

The role of connectivity in conservation planning for species with obligatory interactions: Prospects for future climate scenarios

Global Change Biology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 30(2)

Published: Feb. 1, 2024

Abstract Climate change may lead to range shifts, and barriers such displacements result in extirpations from previously suitable habitats. This be particularly important freshwater ecosystems that are highly fragmented by anthropogenic obstacles, as dams other smaller in‐stream barriers. Conservation planning freshwaters should consider the dynamic effects of climate ability species cope with it. In this study, we developed a framework for incorporating climate‐driven dispersal into conservation taking account medium long‐term impacts obligatory interactions. Given mussels (Bivalvia: Unionida) group threatened organisms dependent on fish hosts complete their larval development dispersal, used Marxan prioritize areas joint Iberian Peninsula case study. We tested two connectivity scenarios between current future habitats, (i) unlimited capacity (ii) constrained artificial barriers, also identified priority translocation were unable disperse. Accounting distributions allowed identification areas, but disregarding unrealistic solutions. Integrating location more likely colonized following climatic although resulted an additional loss six eight features (~5%–7%) compared solutions without constraints. Between 173 357 (~1.6%–3.3%) will potentially block irreplaceable units. Where removal is unfeasible, translocations additionally cover up do not meet targets due study highlights challenge identifying protected safeguard biodiversity under change.

Language: Английский

---

Recent and future distribution of the alien Chinese pond mussel Sinanodonta woodiana (Lea, 1834) on the European continent

Aquatic Invasions, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 19(1), P. 51 - 72

Published: Feb. 7, 2024

The alien freshwater mussel Sinanodonta woodiana (Lea, 1834) has rapidly spread throughout Europe over the past decades. This species can cope with a broad range of environmental conditions and high reproductive capacity making S. successful invader. Due to its negative effects on native mollusk communities parasitized fish it is critical identify suitable habitats where may persist how these be altered under future climate projections. We applied multivariate ordination methods analyze space-time relationship maximum entropy approach (MaxEnt) predict recent (1970–2000) (2041–2060 2081–2100) distribution using variables for European continent. After first sightings in 1979 there were only few new locations findings which increased unevenly exponentially about 100 per year followed by decline during last years. Under condition, 2.3% watersheds are predicted as highly habitat located temperate zone between 40°N 60°N. Suitable was associated lowland characterized fluviatile deposits agriculture. Elevation, distance water bodies, land cover mean temperature coldest quarter main factors influencing modeling results. For scenarios, 2.4% middle this century decreased 2.2% end ‘least radiative forcing’ scenario. intermediate forcing 2050 2100, 1.7% 2.2%, respectively. Results from our study used baseline better understand potential invasion pathways, risk areas, initiate early detection rapid response strategies.

Language: Английский

---

The Asian clam Corbicula fluminea, an accidental host for the European bitterling Rhodeus amarus

Knowledge and Management of Aquatic Ecosystems, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 426, P. 4 - 4

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

European bitterling ( Rhodeus amarus ) embryonic development depends entirely on freshwater mussels of the family Unionidae as host. As almost all six widespread unionid mussel species are declining in Southwestern Germany, this could result loss spawning habitats for R. future. However, there is evidence even a further expansion fish Upper Rhine valley. takes place conjunction with considerable spread non-indigenous Corbicula fluminea , it hypothesized that C. might also serve suitable host . Our study first time reports successful oviposition into lack any embryo In presence both U. crassus and exhibits preference oviposition, prior to Consequently, seems be an accidental seem other causes its range expansion.

Language: Английский

---

Spawning in a threatened freshwater mussel shifts to earlier dates as a result of increasing summer mortality

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(1)

Published: March 5, 2025

Freshwater mussels are among the most imperilled groups of animals on globe, however, drivers mussel declines still poorly understood. Here we show that in a seasonal environment, Unio crassus females can initiate spawning from late winter to summer, implying very high phenotypic plasticity their date. However, they shift reproductive effort earlier dates and make greater investments early broods order adapt spring temperatures higher levels summer mortality. Thus, investment during may credit energy be invested later self-maintenance, alleviate impact As result, reproduction is being progressively compressed into shorter periods. Such constraints must reduce output contribute decline this already endangered group. The pattern always serve as an excellent indicator conservation status given population.

Language: Английский

---

The impact of invasive Sinanodonta woodiana (Bivalvia, Unionidae) and mussel macroparasites on the egg distribution of parasitic bitterling fish in host mussels

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(1)

Published: March 19, 2025

Abstract Facilitative and competitive interactions among coexisting parasite species, as well alternative host produce considerable ecological evolutionary responses to host-parasite relationships. Such effects can be illuminated by impacts of non-native species on relationships in local communities. We used the association between parasitic European bitterling fish ( Rhodeus amarus ) unionid mussels (which eggs their gills) test invasive Chinese pond mussel Sinanodonta woodiana presence non-bitterling macroparasites pattern use across 12 communities with absence or S. (and variation duration coexistence species). While all six were (with prevalence > 30% Unio spp.), no individual was infected bitterling. The did not affect distribution native mussels. Large hosted more Infection parasites, mostly water mites (prevalence 47%) trematodes (25%), rates parasitism. discuss our results context rapid evolution new range its implication conservation.

Language: Английский

---

The depressed river mussel Pseudanodonta complanata as an occasional host for the European bitterling Rhodeus amarus

Knowledge and Management of Aquatic Ecosystems, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 425, P. 3 - 3

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

This study explores the utilisation of European freshwater mussels as hosts by bitterling ( Rhodeus amarus ) at their current sympatric occurrence range. Our confirms Pseudanodonta complanata a suitable, occasional host for bitterling. The spawning relationship R. with has physiological costs hosts, leading to resource competition and potential negative effects on fertility. Further research is needed assess dynamics host-parasite interactions, mussel adaptations prevent parasitism, consequences recent possible future expansion in Europe populations.

Language: Английский

---