Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Anthropogenic habitats may function as a refuge for some species, including freshwater mussels (Bivalvia,
Unionida). In this study we assessed possible differences in density, size and condition index of the Moroccan
freshwater pearl mussel Pseudunio marocanus (Pallary, 1918), formerly Margaritifera marocana, colonizing anthropogenic
(sāqya=irrigation canal) and natural (Bouhlou River) habitats in Morocco. Results showed that the
individuals colonizing the irrigation canal located on the left bank have a significantly higher density and
condition index when compared to natural conditions, but no differences were found regarding size. Since this
species is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN, being also considered among the 100 most endangered
organisms in the planet, the presence of P. marocanus in anthropogenic habitats has high conservation importance.
In fact, and despite no Moroccan freshwater pearl mussels were found on the irrigation canal located in
the right bank, the one located on the left bank present stable conditions for the settlement of juveniles and, if
managed carefully, for the future survival of the species. However, local authorities reported frequent dredging
and cleaning activities by local farmers on this sāqya without any special attention devoted to Moroccan
freshwater pearl mussels (or any other species) conservation. Therefore, the results reported here can be used by
scientists, managers, politicians and local people to promote future management actions that enhance the
Moroccan freshwater pearl mussel protection and guarantee their future survival, including on anthropogenic
habitats.
Description
Keywords
Anthropogenic ecosystems Climate change Condition index Freshwater mussels Unionida
Citation
Sousa, Ronaldo; Teixeira, Amílcar; Benaissa, Hassan; Varandas, Simone; Ghamizi, Mohamed; Lopes-Lima, Manuel (2019). Refuge in the sāqya: Irrigation canals as habitat for one of the world's 100 most threatened species. Biological Conservation. ISSN 0006-3207. 238, p. 1-6