Published 2010
by Montana Natural Heritage Program in Helena (Mont.) .
Written in
During the past three years, weve made significant strides toward documenting distributions and understanding Montanas freshwater mussels through data compilation, inventory and public education. Although the five eastern Montana mussel species (2 native and 3 introduced) have secure populations and are even expanding their ranges, one of the states native species, the western pearlshell, Margaritifera falcata has experienced significant range reductions in the past 100 years, and in 2008 was added to Montanas SOC list as a S2, vulnerable to extinction in the state. Despite finding eight western streams with large viable pearlshell populations (up to 3,000 mussels per km), we have evidence from hundreds of negative surveys documenting the extirpation of the western pearlshell from countless streams and hundreds of river miles throughout the state, as well as dozens of non-viable populations that will be extirpated from streams and whole watersheds (Smith River) within the next 25 years. This fact should be an impetus to continue to research and understand this species in Montana, in addition to actively pursuing restoration projects that would benefit this species or its native fish host the westslope cutthroat trout. We performed extensive surveys in most of the eastern watersheds of the state and report that the largest populations of warm water mussels, notably the native fatmucket and introduced black sandshell (avg. 8.2 and 4 mussels per hour, respectively), are found within the Wild & Scenic Missouri River between Fort Benton and Judith River landing and the Marias River (above Lake Elwell & within 10 miles of the confluence) where fatmucket populations are approaching Missouri River densities (avg. 7 per hr). The native giant floater, Pyganodon grandis is more evenly distributed and abundant in the Northern Glaciated Prairie River Basins compared to central and southeast Montana, but rarely did we find populations exceeding more than 10 mussels per hour. Our surveys in the Yellowstone River indicate that the mainstem river has much lower mussel density overall, with fatmucket catch rates averaging ~1 per hour. Although, large prairie rivers entering the Yellowstone River have higher fatmucket densities: Bighorn and Tongue Rivers averaged 6 and 5 individuals per hour, respectively. We documented the first records of live giant floaters in the Yellowstone Basin at 3 tributary sites (OFallon, Little Porcupine, Tongue River), but no evidence of this species found live in the mainstem. The introduced mapleleaf (Quadrula quadrula) has high densities in the lower Tongue River, but was not found live in the mainstem Yellowstone. The introduced creek heelsplitter have increased their upstream distribution in the Milk River system, but not to the extent that the black sandshell have expanded their range. The introduced mussels in Montana do not seem to be negatively affecting the native species, coexistence and non-exclusion is evident in stream reaches documented to have both present. But rather, they seem to be an augmentation to the mussel fauna of the state and in the case of the black sandshell seems to be more viable in the upper Missouri River than in its native sections of the Missouri River where it is in decline. Over the last three years weve given mussel survey and identification workshops to over 65 fisheries biologists and hydrologists in MT & ID to increase the knowledge base, interest and capacity to survey and report mussel populations in all regions of the state. Attendees of these workshops reported back data for an additional 100 survey reaches, including the identification of two new viable western pearlshell sites in 2009. To generate public interest and support of freshwater mussels, we produced a pocket-sized mussel field guide and a full-sized Mussels of Montana Poster which will be distributed around the state from various agency offices and within the science educational system. Increasing interest and knowledge in freshwater mussels and species other than the typical sportfish is essential for the sustainability of these species and for the concern of the health of their aquatic ecosystems
Edition Notes
| Statement | Prepared by: David Stagliano |
| Contributions | Montana Natural Heritage Program, Montana. Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks |
| The Physical Object | |
|---|---|
| Format | [electronic resource] : |
| Pagination | 73 p. |
| Number of Pages | 73 |
| ID Numbers | |
| Open Library | OL25529776M |
| OCLC/WorldCa | 795528534 |
Jul 16, · Freshwater Mussel Ecology: A Multifactor Approach to Distribution and Abundance (Freshwater Ecology Series Book 1) - Kindle edition by David L. Strayer. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading Freshwater Mussel Ecology: A Multifactor Approach to Distribution and Abundance 5/5(1). The non-marine mollusks of Montana — a part of the molluscan fauna of the state in the Northwestern United springhigheredcio.com non-marine mollusks of Montana consist of land snails and slugs as well as freshwater snails, freshwater mussels and freshwater clams. Jul 16, · "In Freshwater Mussel Ecology, David Strayer presents a clear synthesis of the multiple interacting factors that control the distribution and abundance of pearly mussels, one of the most imperiled groups of freshwater animals. This book stands as a benchmark that will be indispensable to freshwater ecologists and water managers charged with Cited by: A Field Guide to the Freshwater Mollusks of Colorado by Mardy Nelson Harrold This book will greatly aid field biologists and other concerned citizens in efforts to identify, inventory, quagga mussels were first introduced into the Great Lakes in.
Nov 13, · Book Reviews. Author Q&As. Readers' Recommendations mussels are two very similar species of invasive freshwater mussel. detection dog named Hilo came to Lake Tiber in . Amphibians and Reptiles of Montana. Montana is home to 14 amphibian species and 20 species of reptiles.; Birds of Montana. There are at least species of birds found in Montana.; Molluscs of Montana. There are at least 42 species of freshwater bivalves (clams and mussels) known in Montana. There are also at least species of gastropods found in Montana. Fishing Montana's waters is enjoyed by many, but only a few anglers catch a record fish. Montana Fish Wildlife, & Parks recognizes these anglers. Montana’s lakes, rivers and streams are vital natural resources and form the headwaters of the continent. They provide habitat and are the base of the food chain for .
Quagga and Zebra (Dreissenid) mussels pose a serious threat to California's waters and fisheries. The spread of these freshwater mussels threatens recreational boating and fishing, aquatic ecosystems and fisheries, water delivery systems, hydroelectric facilities, agriculture and the environment in general. Freshwater Mussel Ecology: A Multifactor Approach to Distribution and Abundance by Strayer, David Lowell available in Hardcover on springhigheredcio.com, also read synopsis and reviews. Pearly mussels (Unionoidea) live in lakes, rivers, and streams around the world. These bivalves play. Identifying freshwater mussels in Missouri just became easier. The Columbia Missouri Field Office funded and assisted with the development of a field guide to the mussels of Missouri. The page book includes color photos and range maps for each species. Documents related to EPA's final Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia (Freshwater). These documents pertain to the safe levels of Ammonia in water that should protect to the majority of species.
