Freshwater mussel (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Unionoida) richness and endemism in the ecoregions of Africa and Madagascar based on comprehensive museum sampling |
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Authors: | Daniel L Graf Kevin S Cummings |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA;(2) Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL 61820, USA |
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Abstract: | The objective of this study was to assess freshwater mussel (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Unionoida) species distributions among the
freshwater ecoregions of Africa and Madagascar to discover areas of high richness and endemism. These are among the top criteria
for identifying biodiversity hotspots and establishing conservation priorities. Distributions were determined from museum
specimens in 17 collections. In total, 5,612 records for 87 unionoid species could each be assigned to one of 90 freshwater
ecoregions. The majority of species (55%) are known from only one (34 spp.) or two (14) ecoregions. Only three are known from
more than 20 ecoregions: Etheria elliptica (38 ecoregions), Chambardia wahlbergi (25), and Mutela rostrata (21). The most species-rich ecoregions are Lake Victoria Basin (17 spp.), Upper Nile (16), Upper Congo (14), Senegal–Gambia
(13), and Sudanic Congo–Oubangi (13). Those with the most endemic species are Lake Tanganyika (8 spp.), Lake Victoria Basin
(6), Bangweulu–Mweru (4), and Lake Malawi (3). Twenty-five ecoregions have no known freshwater mussels. These patterns are
significantly correlated with fish and general freshwater mollusk richness. Unionoid richness also varies significantly among
major habitat types. These patterns are relevant to biogeography and conservation and indicate areas in need of further research.
We argue that freshwater mussels are valuable as focal species for conservation assessments, and they themselves merit management
consideration for their ecosystem functions and distributions in imperiled habitats. It is recommended that field surveys
be conducted to determine the current status of species in all areas of Africa and Madagascar. |
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