Volume 50, January 2015, Pages 4–10
The current status and future challenges for the preservation and conservation of freshwater pearl mussel habitats
Abstract
Based on new information, the current conservation status of the freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera
(Linnaeus, 1758) in Portugal is revised. Between 2010 and 2013 surveys
were conducted in eight different rivers to assess distribution,
abundance, size-frequency and preferential habitat of this species.
Rivers Neiva, Cávado and Terva presented very low abundances (in the
Cávado no specimens were found) and showed acute signs of ageing,
calling into question the future survival of these populations. Although
abundances were low in Rivers Beça, Paiva and Mente, juveniles were
present and populations may improve their conservation status in the
future, if appropriate management measures are applied. Rivers Rabaçal
and Tuela presented the highest abundances of adults and juveniles and
these two rivers have the highest potential for the conservation of
freshwater pearl mussels in Portugal. However, these two populations
have suffered severe declines in several stretches due to the
construction of dams in recent years. Given that the Portuguese pearl
mussel populations are at the southern range of the species
distribution, their conservation should be a priority. This current
description of the conservation status of M. margaritifera in Portugal can be used as a reference, and guide future research and management initiatives to better conserve this species.
Keywords
- Conservation;
- Margaritifera margaritifera;
- Pearl mussel;
- Portugal;
- River;
- Threats
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