Research and analysis

The ecology of four scarce wetland molluscs

This study used a blend of large-scale surveys, small-scale surveys and field experiments to assess likely biotic and abiotic effects on distribution and abundance of scarce molluscs.

• From: Environment Agency
• Published: 1 January 2002

Documents

The Ecology of Four Scarce Wetland Molluscs

Ref: ISBN 1844320812, LIT 1545

PDF, 1.11 MB, 217 pages

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Details

In 1995, the United Kingdom (UK) Biodiversity Action Plan listed four wetland molluscs of Red Data Book status that required urgent conservation measures to prevent further reduction in their distribution: Segmentina nitida (Muller 1774), Anisus vorticulus (Troschel 1834), Valvata macrostoma (Morch 1864) and Pisidium pseudosphaerium (Schlesch 1947). All four typically occur in drainage ditches of large lowland grazing marshes of southern Britain and have shown marked decline in range, particular Segmentina nitida. However, despite their relative rarity, little is known of their ecological requirements, the reasons behind their decline, nor the management measures that might benefit their numbers. This study used a blend of large-scale surveys, small-scale surveys and field experiments to assess likely biotic and abiotic effects on distribution and abundance.

Published 1 January 2002