Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Anthropogenic habitats may serve as a refuge for aquatic species, including freshwater mussels (Bivalvia,
Unionida). Evaluating the role of anthropogenic habitats is a fundamental, but still ignored, conservation issue
given the pace that humans have been converting natural ecosystems. In this study, possible differences in
abundance, size and condition index of the freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera colonizing anthropogenic
(water mill canals) and natural (Tuela River) habitats were assessed. No differences were found in
the abundance of freshwater pearl mussels colonizing both habitats, but individuals present in the water mill
canals have a significantly higher condition index and size. Water mill canals seem to provide stable conditions
for the settlement, growth and survival of freshwater pearl mussels. However, the occurrence of an exceptional
drought during the late summer of 2017 was responsible for an almost 100% mortality in one of the two water
mill canals surveyed in this study. Therefore, and during extreme climatic events, these anthropogenic structures
may function as an ecological trap for freshwater pearl mussels. This study can be used by managers to promote
future actions that enhance freshwater pearl mussel protection and guarantee their survival, including on anthropogenic
habitats.
Description
Keywords
Anthropogenic habitats Conservation Extreme climatic events Freshwater pearl mussel Unionida
Citation
Sousa, Ronaldo; Nogueira, Joana Garrido; Lopes-Lima, Manuel; Varandas, Simone; Teixeira, Amílcar (2019). Water mill canals as habitat for Margaritifera margaritifera: Stable refuge or an ecological trap?. Ecological Indicators. ISSN 1470-160X. 106, p. 1-6