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

• DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2023.109931
• Publication Date: 2023-02-08T22:41:14Z
• Authors: Keiko Nakamura; Ronaldo Sousa; Francesc Mesquita...
• Keywords: Unionidae; Freshwater mollusc

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.