Spectacle case pearly mussel: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Species of bivalve}} |
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{{Speciesbox |
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{{Taxobox |
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| name = Spectacle case pearly mussel |
| name = Spectacle case pearly mussel |
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| image = Cumberlandia_monodonta.jpg |
| image = Cumberlandia_monodonta.jpg |
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| image_caption = Mature and young ''Cumberlandia monodonta'' |
| image_caption = Mature and young ''Cumberlandia monodonta'' |
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| status = EN| status_system = |
| status = EN |
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| status_system = IUCN3.1 |
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| status_ref = <ref name="iucn status 11 November 2021">{{cite iucn |author=Cummings, K. |author2=Cordeiro, J. |date=2012 |title=''Cumberlandia monodonta'' |volume=2012 |page=e.T5952A3078239 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T5952A3078239.en |access-date=11 November 2021}}</ref> |
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| regnum = [[Animalia]] |
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| |
| status2 = E |
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| status2_system = ESA |
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| classis = [[Bivalvia]] |
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| status2_ref = <ref name=ECOS>{{cite web|url=https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/7867|access-date=7 March 2023|website=Environmental Conservation Online System|publisher=U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service|title=Spectaclecase (mussel) (''Cumberlandia monodonta'')}}</ref><ref>{{Federal Register|77|14914}}</ref> |
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| ordo = [[Unionoida]] |
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| parent_authority = |
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| familia = [[Margaritiferidae]] |
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| genus = |
| genus = Cumberlandia |
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| species = |
| species = monodonta |
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| authority = ([[Thomas Say|Say]], 1829) |
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| binomial = ''Cumberlandia monodonta'' |
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| |
| synonyms = ''Margaritifera monodonta'' Say, 1829 |
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}} |
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| synonyms = ''Margaritifera monodonta'' Say, 1829}} |
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The '''spectacle case pearly mussel''' or '''spectacle case''' ('''''Cumberlandia monodonta''''') is a species of [[bivalve]] in the [[Margaritiferidae]] family. It is [[Endemism|endemic]] to the [[United States]]. The spectaclecase is a freshwater mussel that the [[U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service]] listed as an endangered species.<ref name="USFWS">{{cite web|url=https://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/clams/spectaclecase/SpectaclecaseFactSheetMarch2012.html|title=Specataclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta) Fact Sheet|publisher=United States Fish & Wildlife Service|accessdate=20 January 2017}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> |
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'''''Cumberlandia monodonta''''' (common name '''spectaclecase''') is a freshwater mussel [[endemic]] to the [[United States]].<ref name=":2" /> Currently, ''C. monodonta'' is listed as an endangered species by the [[U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service]]<ref name=ECOS/> and the [[IUCN Red List|International Union for Conservation of Nature]].<ref name="iucn status 11 November 2021"/><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.fws.gov/policy/library/2012/2012-5603.pdf|title=Determination of Endangered Status for the Sheepnose and Spectaclecase Mussels Throughout Their Range; Final Rule|date=March 13, 2012|access-date=April 20, 2020}}</ref> |
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Historically, the spectaclecase was found in at least 44 streams of the Mississippi, Ohio and Missouri River basins in 14 states. It has been extirpated from 3 states and today is found in only 20 streams. The spectaclecase’s current range includes Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. With few exceptions, spectaclecase populations are fragmented and restricted to short stream reaches.<ref name="USFWS"/> |
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''Cumberlandia monodonta'' was first reported in a newspaper titled ''The Disseminator (New Harmony, Ind.)'' by [[Thomas Say]] in 1829 under the name ''Unio monodonta''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.molluscabase.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=857536|title=Unio monodonta Say, 1829|website=MolluscaBase|access-date=April 20, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.loc.gov/item/sn82015011/|title=The Disseminator (New Harmony, Ind.) 1828-18?? Disseminator of useful knowledge|website=Library of Congress|access-date=April 20, 2020}}</ref> The spectaclecase was then reclassified into the genus ''Cumberlandia'' by A. E. Ortmann in 1912.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/1738208#page/26/mode/1up|title=The Nautilus: A Monthly Journal Devoted to the Interests of Conchologists|last=Ortmann|first=A. E.|date=1912|website=Biodiversity Heritage Library|access-date=April 20, 2020}}</ref> |
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Spectaclecase mussels are found in large rivers where they live in areas sheltered from the main force of the river current. This species often clusters in firm mud and in sheltered areas, such as beneath rock slabs, between boulders and even under tree roots.<ref name="USFWS"/> |
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''Cumberlandia monodonta'' has experienced a drastic decline in population due to human activity, resulting in its listing as "Endangered" by the [[Endangered Species Act of 1973|Endangered Species Act]] and the [[International Union for Conservation of Nature|IUCN]]. In particular, the construction of dams has caused significant problems that disrupt ''C. monodonta''<nowiki/>'s habitat and food supply.<ref name=":2" /> The Endangered Species Act classifies ''C. monodonta'' as a highly threatened (endangered) species with a low potential for recovery.<ref name=":2" /> |
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==Description== |
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The shell of the spectaclecase is elongate and compressed, with a concave ventral margin. It can be up to 23 cm (9 in.) long. The outside of the shell is dark brown to black, and rayless. The pseudocardinal teeth are poorly developed, lateral teeth are absent, and the inside of the shell is white. The spectaclecase resembles the black sandshell (Liguma recta), but the black sandshell has well-developed pseudocardinal and lateral teeth, and the outside of the shell is often rayed.<ref>Sietman, B. E. 2003. Field guide to the freshwater mussels of Minnesota. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, St. Paul, Minnesota. 144 pp.</ref> |
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== |
== Evolution == |
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This is the only surviving member of the genus ''[[Cumberlandia]]'', an ancient lineage of [[Freshwater mussel|freshwater mussels]] with fossils known as far back as the [[Early Cretaceous]] (125 million years ago). ''Cumberlandia'' is also represented by two fossil species from [[North Africa]]; it is hypothesized that the ancestral ''Cumberlandia'' may have arose around what is now the [[Mediterranean Sea|Mediterranean]] region, and dispersed to eastern North America from there.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |title=Molluscabase - Cumberlandia Ortmann, 1912 |url=https://molluscabase.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=856885 |access-date=2023-08-26 |website=molluscabase.org}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last1=Lopes-Lima |first1=Manuel |last2=Bolotov |first2=Ivan N. |last3=Do |first3=Van Tu |last4=Aldridge |first4=David C. |last5=Fonseca |first5=Miguel M. |last6=Gan |first6=Han Ming |last7=Gofarov |first7=Mikhail Y. |last8=Kondakov |first8=Alexander V. |last9=Prié |first9=Vincent |last10=Sousa |first10=Ronaldo |last11=Varandas |first11=Simone |last12=Vikhrev |first12=Ilya V. |last13=Teixeira |first13=Amílcar |last14=Wu |first14=Rui-Wen |last15=Wu |first15=Xiaoping |date=2018-10-01 |title=Expansion and systematics redefinition of the most threatened freshwater mussel family, the Margaritiferidae |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1055790318300174 |journal=Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution |volume=127 |pages=98–118 |doi=10.1016/j.ympev.2018.04.041 |pmid=29729933 |hdl=10198/18714 |s2cid=24130614 |issn=1055-7903|hdl-access=free }}</ref> |
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===Dams=== |
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Population losses due to dams have contributed more to the decline and potential extinction of the spectaclecase than any other factor. Dams affect both upstream and downstream populations by disrupting seasonal flow patterns, scouring river bottoms, changing water temperatures and eliminating river habitat. Large rivers throughout nearly all of the spectaclecase mussel’s range have been dammed, leaving short, isolated patches of habitat between dams. Spectaclecase mussels likely depend on a fish species, or other aquatic species, to move upstream.<ref name="USFWS"/> |
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Because dams block fish passage, mussels are also prevented from moving upstream. This isolates upstream populations from those downstream, leading to small, unstable populations, which are more likely to die out.<ref name="USFWS"/> |
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== Description == |
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===Small population size and fragmentation=== |
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Most remaining populations of spectaclecase are small and geographically isolated. Small populations remaining in short sections of rivers are susceptible to extirpation from single catastrophic events, such as a toxic spill. Also, this level of isolation makes natural repopulation of areas that once supported mussels impossible without human intervention.<ref name="USFWS"/> |
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===Sedimentation=== |
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Poor land use practices, dredging, intensive timber harvests, highway construction, and other activities accelerate erosion and increase sedimentation. Sediment that blankets a river bottom can suffocate mussels since they cannot move to avoid the impact. Also, large amounts of sediment in the water column reduce the ability of mussels to remove food and oxygen, which can lead to reduced growth, reproduction and survival.<ref name="USFWS"/> |
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===Pollution=== |
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Adult mussels are easily harmed by toxins and degraded water quality from pollution because they are sedentary (they tend to stay in one place). Pollution may come from specific, identifiable locations such as accidental spills, factory discharges, sewage treatment plants and landfills, or from diffuse sources like runoff from fields, feedlots, mines, construction sites and roads.<ref name="USFWS"/> |
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Contaminants may directly kill mussels, but they may also indirectly harm spectaclecase by reducing water quality, affecting the ability of surviving mussels to reproduce and lowering the numbers of host fish.<ref name="USFWS"/> |
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===Channelization=== |
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Dredging and channelization have profoundly altered riverine habitats nationwide. Channelization physically changes streams by accelerating erosion, reducing depths, decreasing habitat diversity, destabilizing stream bottoms and removing riparian vegetation.<ref name="USFWS"/> |
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===Nonnative species=== |
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The invasion of the nonnative zebra mussel into the United States poses a serious threat to native mussels. Zebra mussels proliferate in such high numbers that they use up food resources. They attach to native mussel shells in such large numbers that the native mussel cannot open its shell to eat or breathe.<ref name="USFWS"/> |
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=== Physical characteristics === |
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==References== |
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''Cumberlandia monodonta'' have oblong shells that grow at least {{convert|9.25|in|cm}}. The shell’s texture is primarily smooth and will crack along the posterior end when dry. Younger ''C. monodonta'' shells appear a light yellowish-green but darken to a brown or black in older specimens.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_plan/FINAL%20Spectaclecase%20Recovery%20Outline.pdf|title=Recovery Outline For the Spectaclecase mussel (Cumberlandia monodonta)|last=U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Midwest Region|date=January 2014|access-date=April 20, 2020}}</ref> |
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{{reflist}} |
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=== Life history and reproduction === |
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==Additional sources== |
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Specific life history requirements of ''C. monodonta''’s life cycle are still widely unknown. The mussel is estimated to reach sexual maturity at 4- to 5-years-old for males and 5- to 7-years-old for females.<ref name=":2" /> The life cycle of ''C. monodonta'' consists of many steps. Males release sperm into the water, and females intake the sperm while filter feeding. The fertilized eggs will grow into larvae called [[glochidia]]. When the glochidia mature in early April to late May, the females will release them into the water column.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/clams/spectaclecase/SpectaclecaseFactSheet.html|title=Spectaclecase (a freshwater mussel) Cumberlandia monodonta|date=October 25, 2019|website=U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Region Endangered Species|access-date=April 20, 2020}}</ref> Glochidia have a brief but mandatory parasitic stage on fish—two [[Host (biology)|host species]] have been confirmed (''[[Hiodon tergisus]]'' and ''[[Hiodon alosoides]]''), but further research is being conducted to identify additional hosts.<ref name=":2" /> |
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* Mollusc Specialist Group 2000. |
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*[http://www.iucnredlist.org/search/details.php/5952/all Cumberlandia monodonta] |
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*[http://www.iucnredlist.org 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. ] Downloaded on 6 August 2007. |
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*http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/rsg/profile.html?action=elementDetail&selectedElement=IMBIV08010# |
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=== Diet === |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Spectacle Case Pearly Mussel}} |
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Adult ''C. monodonta'' will bury themselves under the river's substrate and filter feed, with a diet consisting of algae, bacteria, and dissolved organic material.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://courses.missouristate.edu/chrisbarnhart/Documents/theses/Baird2000.pdf|title=LIFE HISTORY OF THE SPECTACLECASE, CUMBERLANDIA MONODONTA SAY, 1829 (BIVALVIA, UNIONOIDEA, MARGARITIFERIDAE)|last=Baird|first=Michael|date=May 2000|website=Southwest Missouri State University|access-date=April 20, 2020}}</ref> |
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[[Category:Fauna of the United States]] |
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[[Category:Margaritiferidae]] |
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=== Population and range === |
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''Cumberlandia monodonta'' is endemic to the Mississippi, Ohio, and Missouri River basins and is found most often in larger rivers. They are most commonly found in aggregated clumps within mild water, between large rocks and wedged into firm mud. ''C. monodonta'' take shelter from the current by clustering beneath slab boulders or bedrock shelves.<ref name=":2" /> |
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Historically, ''C. monodonta'' has occurred in at least 44 streams within its three endemic basins. As of 2014, the mussel was known to occupy only 20 streams, representing a 55% decline in range.<ref name=":2" /> Furthermore, these populations are highly fragmented and cover only short stretches of a given river. The mussel’s 5-Year Review reports that there has been no change in ''C. monodonta''’s range since its listing as Endangered.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=https://ecos.fws.gov/docs/five_year_review/doc6103.pdf|title=Spectaclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta) 5-Year Review: Summary and Evaluation|last=U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Midwest Region|date=August 12, 2019|access-date=April 20, 2020}}</ref> ''C. monodonta'' does not reside in any critical habitat.<ref name=":2" /> A map of ''C. monodonta''<nowiki/>'s historical and present range can be found on its [[IUCN Red List]] web page.<ref name="iucn status 11 November 2021"/> |
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{{Bivalve-stub}} |
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== Human impacts == |
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=== Habitat loss and degradation === |
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Habitat loss and degradation has caused the decline of ''C. monodonta'' populations and continues to threaten the species today. Stressors include [[Reservoir|impoundments]] (such as dam building), channelization, chemical contaminants, mining, and sedimentation.<ref name=":2" /> |
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==== Impoundments and channelization ==== |
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The effects of impoundments and channelization still pose an imminent threat to ''C. monodonta'' because they result in altered [[sedimentation]] patterns. Excess sedimentation has the potential to reduce the feeding and respiratory efficiency of the mussel.<ref name=":2" /> |
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==== Mining ==== |
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In-stream and gravel mining negatively affect water quality. Coal, oil, and gas mining threaten ''C. monodonta'' by increasing [[siltation]] in streams, modifying hydrology patterns, and altering water quality. Furthermore, lead mining causes heavy metal leaching into sediments, which can be a vector for such chemical contaminants.<ref name=":2" /> |
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== Conservation concerns == |
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=== Inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms === |
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While point source discharges within ''C. monodonta''’s range have decreased due to the [[Clean Water Act]], there is no information on the sensitivity of the mussel to various common industrial and municipal contaminants. Thus, a lack of adequate data and research prevents existing regulations, such as the Clean Water Act, from being used effectively.<ref name=":2" /> |
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=== Small isolated populations === |
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The majority of remaining ''C. monodonta'' populations are small and geographically isolated. This leaves individual populations highly susceptible to eradication due to a single catastrophic event, such as a chemical contaminant spill.<ref name=":2" /> Furthermore, the re-propagation of this species into its historical range cannot occur due to its patchy distribution; without human intervention, its range will inevitably shrink as populations are extirpated. The exchange of genetic material between populations is also limited due to ''C. monodonta''’s distribution, which can result in inbreeding and decreased fitness in the species’ offspring.<ref name=":2" /> A recent study found that this species has actually maintained high levels of genetic diversity due to gene flow in most populations, but that all populations have experienced some degree of fragmentation.<ref name=":3" /> |
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=== Exotic species === |
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[[Zebra mussel]]s are present in ''C. monodonta''’s current range and threaten all native mussels through direct fouling of their shells. Once attached to a live, native mussel shell, zebra mussels can impede locomotion (vertical and lateral), disrupt normal valve moments, deform valve margins, and deplete local food resources.<ref name=":2" /> ''C. monodonta'' could especially be susceptible to a zebra mussel infestation due to the spectaclecase's affinity to aggregate in clumps; a single zebra mussel attachment event has the potential to wipe out an entire ''C. monodonta'' population.<ref name=":2" /> |
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=== Temperature and climate change === |
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''Cumberlandia monodonta'' will have trouble adjusting its range in response to climate change due to the fragmentation of freshwater drainage systems and their lack of overall flexibility as a [[sessility (motility)|sessile]] creature. A study investigated the effects of climate change on population connectivity of ''C. monodonta''. Modeled under two predicted climate scenarios ([[Representative Concentration Pathway|RCP2.6]] and [[Representative Concentration Pathway|RCP8.5]]), scientists found that the genetic diversity and population connectivity would be significantly reduced because of the loss of suitable habitat.<ref name=":2" /> |
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== Conservation status == |
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=== Conservation status listing history === |
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''Cumberlandia monodonta'' was first included in the "Review of Invertebrate Wildlife for Listing as Endangered for Threatened Species" in 1984.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ecos.fws.gov/docs/federal_register/fr836.pdf|title=Federal Register, Vol. 49, No. 100|date=May 22, 1984|website=U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service|access-date=April 20, 2020}}</ref> This list does not officially recognize species as endangered, threatened, or otherwise, but encourages species on the list to be more thoroughly researched in order to designate an [[Endangered Species Act of 1973|Endangered Species Act]] listing. |
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The [[International Union for Conservation of Nature|IUCN]] listed ''Cumberlandia monodonta'' (under its [[synonym (biology)|synonym]] ''Margaritifera monodonta'') as “Near Threatened” in 1996 and updated its status to “Endangered” in 2012.<ref name="iucn status 11 November 2021"/> On March 13, 2012, The United States Fish and Wildlife Services officially declared the species as endangered due to its declining populations.<ref name=":0" /> A recovery outline was developed for ''C. monodonta'' in January 2014, but a full recovery plan has not yet been developed.<ref name=":2" /> Since the species was declared endangered by the Endangered Species Act, there have been no changes in its listing status.<ref name=":3" /> |
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=== Current conservation efforts === |
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==== Recovery plan and recovery priority ==== |
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There is not a finalized recovery plan for ''C. monodonta'', only a recovery outline. ''C. monodonta'' is listed as a 4 on the Endangered Species Act's recovery priority scale, indicating that the species faces severe threat in a monotypic genus but has a low recovery potential.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fws.gov/endangered/esa-library/pdf/48fr43098-43105.pdf|title=Federal Register, Vol 48. No. 184.|date=September 21, 1983|website=U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service|access-date=April 20, 2020}}</ref> However, [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320676940_A_Revised_List_of_the_Freshwater_Mussels_Mollusca_Bivalvia_Unionida_of_the_United_States_and_Canada Williams ''et al''. 2017] proposes the reclassification of ''C. monodonta'' under the species ''Margaritifera''. If this change were to occur, its recovery priority number would be changed to 5 to reflect its status as one of several species in a genus rather than a monotypic genus.<ref name=":3" /> Its potential for recovery, however, remains low. |
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==== Inventory and monitoring ==== |
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The states of Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Tennessee, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Virginia have had or are currently monitoring the populations of various freshwater mussels through site-specific surveys.<ref name=":3" /> |
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==== Host research ==== |
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When ''C. monodonta'' was originally listed, no species were known as a [[Host (biology)|host species]] for its [[Glochidium|glochidia]] stage.<ref name=":2" /> Now, two host species are known (see: Life history and reproduction), and further research is being conducted to identify further host species.<ref name=":3" /> |
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==== Genetic research ==== |
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Various genetic research has been conducted to determine population viability of current and theoretical augmented populations. Further research would contribute to greater understanding of how to properly manage and restore populations of ''C. monodonta'' throughout its range.<ref name=":3" /> |
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==== Habitat restoration and protection ==== |
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Many parcels of public land (eg. state parks, state forests, wildlife management areas) encapsulate the historical and current range of ''C. monodonta''. [[The Nature Conservancy]] (TNC) has created bio-reserves along two stream systems that contain populations of ''C. monodonta'' in Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky. Within these reserves, TNC has implemented many community-based projects that address aquatic species and their habitat conservation. Various State public lands and wildlife refuges span portions of ''C. monodonta''’s range, safeguarding the populations from further habitat degradation. A few Federal programs, such as the [[Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program]] and the [[Environmental Quality Incentives Program|Environmental Quality Incentive Program]], emphasize stream habitat restoration and are being executed by Federal agency partners (eg., [https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/site/wv/home/ NRCS-WV]). |
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==== Stream population summary table ==== |
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A table was made summarizing the current status of the 20 known ''C. monodonta'' populations. The status listing is based on population trends since 1997, the current size of a population (small, medium large, extra large), and any evidence of recruitment. Status criterion can be found on page 6 of ''C. monodonta''’s 5-year-review.<ref name=":3" /> As of 2017-2018, there are 5 “stronghold”, 5 “weakened”, and 15 “unknown” ''C. monodonta'' populations.<ref name=":3" /> Keeping track of this data is important for scientists and others involved in ''C. monodonta'' conservation, because understanding historical and current population sizes can help them predict future changes. |
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==== Laboratory successes ==== |
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The first successful [[in-vitro]] growth of several hundred individuals of ''C. monodonta'' occurred in 2018. The transplant of lab-grown ''C. monodonta'' into larger populations is a potential recovery tool for the species.<ref name=":3" /> Furthermore, [[qPCR]] markers have been developed to identify types of mussel larvae found on wild caught fish. These can be used to identify additional populations of ''C. monodonta''.<ref name=":3" /> |
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== References == |
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{{Reflist}} |
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{{Taxonbar|from1=Q3015749|from2=}} |
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[[Category:Molluscs of the United States]] |
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[[Category:Margaritiferidae]] |
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[[Category:Bivalves described in 1829]] |
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[[Category:Taxonomy articles created by Polbot]] |
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[[Category:ESA endangered species]] |
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Latest revision as of 12:57, 7 November 2023
| Spectacle case pearly mussel | |
|---|---|
| |
| Mature and young Cumberlandia monodonta | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Bivalvia |
| Order: | Unionida |
| Family: | Margaritiferidae |
| Genus: | Cumberlandia |
| Species: | C. monodonta
|
| Binomial name | |
| Cumberlandia monodonta (Say, 1829)
| |
| Synonyms | |
|
Margaritifera monodonta Say, 1829 | |
Cumberlandia monodonta (common name spectaclecase) is a freshwater mussel endemic to the United States.[4] Currently, C. monodonta is listed as an endangered species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service[2] and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.[1][5]
Cumberlandia monodonta was first reported in a newspaper titled The Disseminator (New Harmony, Ind.) by Thomas Say in 1829 under the name Unio monodonta.[6][7] The spectaclecase was then reclassified into the genus Cumberlandia by A. E. Ortmann in 1912.[8]
Cumberlandia monodonta has experienced a drastic decline in population due to human activity, resulting in its listing as "Endangered" by the Endangered Species Act and the IUCN. In particular, the construction of dams has caused significant problems that disrupt C. monodonta's habitat and food supply.[4] The Endangered Species Act classifies C. monodonta as a highly threatened (endangered) species with a low potential for recovery.[4]
Evolution[edit]
This is the only surviving member of the genus Cumberlandia, an ancient lineage of freshwater mussels with fossils known as far back as the Early Cretaceous (125 million years ago). Cumberlandia is also represented by two fossil species from North Africa; it is hypothesized that the ancestral Cumberlandia may have arose around what is now the Mediterranean region, and dispersed to eastern North America from there.[9][10]
Description[edit]
Physical characteristics[edit]
Cumberlandia monodonta have oblong shells that grow at least 9.25 inches (23.5 cm). The shell’s texture is primarily smooth and will crack along the posterior end when dry. Younger C. monodonta shells appear a light yellowish-green but darken to a brown or black in older specimens.[4]
Life history and reproduction[edit]
Specific life history requirements of C. monodonta’s life cycle are still widely unknown. The mussel is estimated to reach sexual maturity at 4- to 5-years-old for males and 5- to 7-years-old for females.[4] The life cycle of C. monodonta consists of many steps. Males release sperm into the water, and females intake the sperm while filter feeding. The fertilized eggs will grow into larvae called glochidia. When the glochidia mature in early April to late May, the females will release them into the water column.[4][11] Glochidia have a brief but mandatory parasitic stage on fish—two host species have been confirmed (Hiodon tergisus and Hiodon alosoides), but further research is being conducted to identify additional hosts.[4]
Diet[edit]
Adult C. monodonta will bury themselves under the river's substrate and filter feed, with a diet consisting of algae, bacteria, and dissolved organic material.[12]
Population and range[edit]
Cumberlandia monodonta is endemic to the Mississippi, Ohio, and Missouri River basins and is found most often in larger rivers. They are most commonly found in aggregated clumps within mild water, between large rocks and wedged into firm mud. C. monodonta take shelter from the current by clustering beneath slab boulders or bedrock shelves.[4]
Historically, C. monodonta has occurred in at least 44 streams within its three endemic basins. As of 2014, the mussel was known to occupy only 20 streams, representing a 55% decline in range.[4] Furthermore, these populations are highly fragmented and cover only short stretches of a given river. The mussel’s 5-Year Review reports that there has been no change in C. monodonta’s range since its listing as Endangered.[13] C. monodonta does not reside in any critical habitat.[4] A map of C. monodonta's historical and present range can be found on its IUCN Red List web page.[1]
Human impacts[edit]
Habitat loss and degradation[edit]
Habitat loss and degradation has caused the decline of C. monodonta populations and continues to threaten the species today. Stressors include impoundments (such as dam building), channelization, chemical contaminants, mining, and sedimentation.[4]
Impoundments and channelization[edit]
The effects of impoundments and channelization still pose an imminent threat to C. monodonta because they result in altered sedimentation patterns. Excess sedimentation has the potential to reduce the feeding and respiratory efficiency of the mussel.[4]
Mining[edit]
In-stream and gravel mining negatively affect water quality. Coal, oil, and gas mining threaten C. monodonta by increasing siltation in streams, modifying hydrology patterns, and altering water quality. Furthermore, lead mining causes heavy metal leaching into sediments, which can be a vector for such chemical contaminants.[4]
Conservation concerns[edit]
Inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms[edit]
While point source discharges within C. monodonta’s range have decreased due to the Clean Water Act, there is no information on the sensitivity of the mussel to various common industrial and municipal contaminants. Thus, a lack of adequate data and research prevents existing regulations, such as the Clean Water Act, from being used effectively.[4]
Small isolated populations[edit]
The majority of remaining C. monodonta populations are small and geographically isolated. This leaves individual populations highly susceptible to eradication due to a single catastrophic event, such as a chemical contaminant spill.[4] Furthermore, the re-propagation of this species into its historical range cannot occur due to its patchy distribution; without human intervention, its range will inevitably shrink as populations are extirpated. The exchange of genetic material between populations is also limited due to C. monodonta’s distribution, which can result in inbreeding and decreased fitness in the species’ offspring.[4] A recent study found that this species has actually maintained high levels of genetic diversity due to gene flow in most populations, but that all populations have experienced some degree of fragmentation.[13]
Exotic species[edit]
Zebra mussels are present in C. monodonta’s current range and threaten all native mussels through direct fouling of their shells. Once attached to a live, native mussel shell, zebra mussels can impede locomotion (vertical and lateral), disrupt normal valve moments, deform valve margins, and deplete local food resources.[4] C. monodonta could especially be susceptible to a zebra mussel infestation due to the spectaclecase's affinity to aggregate in clumps; a single zebra mussel attachment event has the potential to wipe out an entire C. monodonta population.[4]
Temperature and climate change[edit]
Cumberlandia monodonta will have trouble adjusting its range in response to climate change due to the fragmentation of freshwater drainage systems and their lack of overall flexibility as a sessile creature. A study investigated the effects of climate change on population connectivity of C. monodonta. Modeled under two predicted climate scenarios (RCP2.6 and RCP8.5), scientists found that the genetic diversity and population connectivity would be significantly reduced because of the loss of suitable habitat.[4]
Conservation status[edit]
Conservation status listing history[edit]
Cumberlandia monodonta was first included in the "Review of Invertebrate Wildlife for Listing as Endangered for Threatened Species" in 1984.[14] This list does not officially recognize species as endangered, threatened, or otherwise, but encourages species on the list to be more thoroughly researched in order to designate an Endangered Species Act listing.
The IUCN listed Cumberlandia monodonta (under its synonym Margaritifera monodonta) as “Near Threatened” in 1996 and updated its status to “Endangered” in 2012.[1] On March 13, 2012, The United States Fish and Wildlife Services officially declared the species as endangered due to its declining populations.[5] A recovery outline was developed for C. monodonta in January 2014, but a full recovery plan has not yet been developed.[4] Since the species was declared endangered by the Endangered Species Act, there have been no changes in its listing status.[13]
Current conservation efforts[edit]
Recovery plan and recovery priority[edit]
There is not a finalized recovery plan for C. monodonta, only a recovery outline. C. monodonta is listed as a 4 on the Endangered Species Act's recovery priority scale, indicating that the species faces severe threat in a monotypic genus but has a low recovery potential.[4][15] However, Williams et al. 2017 proposes the reclassification of C. monodonta under the species Margaritifera. If this change were to occur, its recovery priority number would be changed to 5 to reflect its status as one of several species in a genus rather than a monotypic genus.[13] Its potential for recovery, however, remains low.
Inventory and monitoring[edit]
The states of Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Tennessee, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Virginia have had or are currently monitoring the populations of various freshwater mussels through site-specific surveys.[13]
Host research[edit]
When C. monodonta was originally listed, no species were known as a host species for its glochidia stage.[4] Now, two host species are known (see: Life history and reproduction), and further research is being conducted to identify further host species.[13]
Genetic research[edit]
Various genetic research has been conducted to determine population viability of current and theoretical augmented populations. Further research would contribute to greater understanding of how to properly manage and restore populations of C. monodonta throughout its range.[13]
Habitat restoration and protection[edit]
Many parcels of public land (eg. state parks, state forests, wildlife management areas) encapsulate the historical and current range of C. monodonta. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has created bio-reserves along two stream systems that contain populations of C. monodonta in Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky. Within these reserves, TNC has implemented many community-based projects that address aquatic species and their habitat conservation. Various State public lands and wildlife refuges span portions of C. monodonta’s range, safeguarding the populations from further habitat degradation. A few Federal programs, such as the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program and the Environmental Quality Incentive Program, emphasize stream habitat restoration and are being executed by Federal agency partners (eg., NRCS-WV).
Stream population summary table[edit]
A table was made summarizing the current status of the 20 known C. monodonta populations. The status listing is based on population trends since 1997, the current size of a population (small, medium large, extra large), and any evidence of recruitment. Status criterion can be found on page 6 of C. monodonta’s 5-year-review.[13] As of 2017-2018, there are 5 “stronghold”, 5 “weakened”, and 15 “unknown” C. monodonta populations.[13] Keeping track of this data is important for scientists and others involved in C. monodonta conservation, because understanding historical and current population sizes can help them predict future changes.
Laboratory successes[edit]
The first successful in-vitro growth of several hundred individuals of C. monodonta occurred in 2018. The transplant of lab-grown C. monodonta into larger populations is a potential recovery tool for the species.[13] Furthermore, qPCR markers have been developed to identify types of mussel larvae found on wild caught fish. These can be used to identify additional populations of C. monodonta.[13]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d Cummings, K.; Cordeiro, J. (2012). "Cumberlandia monodonta". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2012: e.T5952A3078239. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T5952A3078239.en. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
- ^ a b "Spectaclecase (mussel) (Cumberlandia monodonta)". Environmental Conservation Online System. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
- ^ 77 FR 14914
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Midwest Region (January 2014). "Recovery Outline For the Spectaclecase mussel (Cumberlandia monodonta)" (PDF). Retrieved April 20, 2020.
- ^ a b "Determination of Endangered Status for the Sheepnose and Spectaclecase Mussels Throughout Their Range; Final Rule" (PDF). March 13, 2012. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
- ^ "Unio monodonta Say, 1829". MolluscaBase. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
- ^ "The Disseminator (New Harmony, Ind.) 1828-18?? Disseminator of useful knowledge". Library of Congress. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
- ^ Ortmann, A. E. (1912). "The Nautilus: A Monthly Journal Devoted to the Interests of Conchologists". Biodiversity Heritage Library. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
- ^ "Molluscabase - Cumberlandia Ortmann, 1912". molluscabase.org. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
- ^ Lopes-Lima, Manuel; Bolotov, Ivan N.; Do, Van Tu; Aldridge, David C.; Fonseca, Miguel M.; Gan, Han Ming; Gofarov, Mikhail Y.; Kondakov, Alexander V.; Prié, Vincent; Sousa, Ronaldo; Varandas, Simone; Vikhrev, Ilya V.; Teixeira, Amílcar; Wu, Rui-Wen; Wu, Xiaoping (2018-10-01). "Expansion and systematics redefinition of the most threatened freshwater mussel family, the Margaritiferidae". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 127: 98–118. doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2018.04.041. hdl:10198/18714. ISSN 1055-7903. PMID 29729933. S2CID 24130614.
- ^ "Spectaclecase (a freshwater mussel) Cumberlandia monodonta". U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Region Endangered Species. October 25, 2019. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
- ^ Baird, Michael (May 2000). "LIFE HISTORY OF THE SPECTACLECASE, CUMBERLANDIA MONODONTA SAY, 1829 (BIVALVIA, UNIONOIDEA, MARGARITIFERIDAE)" (PDF). Southwest Missouri State University. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Midwest Region (August 12, 2019). "Spectaclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta) 5-Year Review: Summary and Evaluation" (PDF). Retrieved April 20, 2020.
- ^ "Federal Register, Vol. 49, No. 100" (PDF). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. May 22, 1984. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
- ^ "Federal Register, Vol 48. No. 184" (PDF). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. September 21, 1983. Retrieved April 20, 2020.