Contiguous backwater lakes as possible refugia for unionid mussels


Tucker, J. K., and E. R. Atwood.  1995.  Contiguous backwater
lakes as possible refugia for unionid mussels in areas of heavy
zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) colonization.  Journal of
Freshwater Ecology 10(1):43-47.  Reprinted by the National
Biological Service, Environmental Management Technical Center,
Onalaska, Wisconsin, April 1996.  LTRMP 96-R003.  5 pp. 
(NTIS #PB96-176326)


ABSTRACT

Swan Lake, a backwater of the Illinois River, had a smaller
population of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) in 1994
compared with 1993. This reduction in mussel abundance may
reflect the controlling influence of lake physical properties and
interactions between waterfowl, freshwater drum, and D.
polymorpha. Because this lake is inhabited by a diverse unionid
fauna (at least 16 species) but by relatively few D. polymorpha,
it could function as a refugia for native mussels from the
adverse effects of D. polymorpha. Other such refugia should be
sought and protected as a means of maintaining unionid diversity
in the Illinois River and other rivers colonized by D.
polymorpha. 


KEYWORDS

Dreissena polymorpha, river backwaters, species diversity,
Unionidae