Invasive zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) threatens an exceptionally large population of the depressed river mussel (Pseudanodonta complanata) in a postglacial lake

Ecology and Evolution

Małgorzata Kirschenstein¹  Hannes K. Imhof²  Stefan Zimmermann²  Florian Michl²  Juergen Geist²  Marie vonWesendonk²  Philipp Hoos²  Julia Mayr²  Małgorzata Ożgo³  Maria Urbańska⁴  Rafał Tobiasz⁵ 

[1] Aeronautics Faculty Polish Air Force University Dęblin Poland;Aquatic Systems Biology Unit Technical University of Munich Freising Germany;Department of Evolutionary Biology Kazimierz Wielki University Bydgoszcz Poland;Department of Zoology Poznań University of Life Sciences Poznań Poland;SharkDive Złocieniec Poland;

关键词: biodiversity conservation;    biofouling;    endangered species;    freshwater habitat;    invasion;    unionid;   

DOI  :  10.1002/ece3.6243

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Freshwater mussels are in decline worldwide, with the depressed river mussel Pseudanodonta complanata being one of the rarest and most endangered species in Europe. Invasive mussels are suspected to be an important factor of decline, but there is little information on their interaction with native species. This study analyzed densities, depth distribution, and individual sizes and weights in one of the largest known populations of P. complanata in Europe in relation to the co‐occurring invasive zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha and other mussel species, using a systematic transect analysis. Pseudanodonta complanata was the dominant unionid species in Lake Siecino reaching densities of up to 26 ind/m2, with half of the specimens found at a water depth of 2.0–4.0 m. Densities were highest on sandy substrates in areas of underwater currents. In contrast, 67% of native Unio tumidus were found at depths < 1 m, indicating different habitat preference. In the study area, 91% of P. complanata, 92% of U. tumidus, and all Anodonta individuals were fouled by D. polymorpha. The dreissenid:unionid mass ratio (mean ± SD; maximum) was 0.43 ± 0.56; 4.22 and 0.86 ± 1.87; 8.76 in P. complanata and U. tumidus, respectively. Pseudanodonta complanata fouled with D. polymorpha were impaired in their anchoring capability and had shell deformations potentially affecting shell closing and filtration activity. Fouling intensity was negatively correlated with unionid density, potentially leading to accelerated population declines. The observed adverse effects of invasive zebra mussels on the depressed river mussel and the difficulties in eradicating established populations of invasive mussels suggest that D. polymorpha should be considered a serious threat to P. complanata. Therefore, the further spread of zebra mussels into habitats with native unionids needs to be avoided by all means.

【 授权许可】

Unknown