Manuscripts are being reviewed and revised based on the analyses that have been conducted. Collaboration with Mike Phillips continues. The spatial databases, together with data on predator activity and duck nest success, are a rich resource that we anticipate using to test additional hypotheses that may be developed as a result of ongoing analyses by Mr. Phillips and discussions among the research team. Identify genetically distinct populations. Develop management recommendations based on characterization of genetic stocks.
Freshwater mussels are one of the most imperiled faunas of animals in the world.
Currently, conservation and management strategies for unionid mussels include captive propagation, relocation to artificial and in situ refugia that are zebra-mussel free, and reintroduction and augmentation in restored habitats. There is an immediate need for sound guidance on genetic considerations when planning and implementing mussel conservation programs. However, the genetic variation of populations among and within rivers where L. higginsii currently resides was unknown. We characterized the genetic structure and diversity of L. higginsii as a basis for conservation and management actions. We used the mitochondrial gene cytochrome-b to characterize the genetic structure of the species.