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Drainage-independent genetic structure and high genetic diversity of endangered freshwater pearl mussels (Margaritifera margaritifera) in northern Europe

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Abstract

Freshwater pearl mussels (Margaritifera margaritifera) are among the most critically threatened bivalve molluscs worldwide. An understanding of spatial patterns of genetic diversity is crucial for the development of integrative conservation strategies. We used microsatellites to study the genetic diversity and differentiation of 14 populations of M. margaritifera in central Sweden, an area which was described as a major secondary contact zone in postglacial colonisation for other species. Genetic diversity of Swedish pearl mussel populations was much greater than in central and southern Europe but similar to the genetic diversity observed in the northeastern portion of their European range. Genetic differentiation among populations was pronounced but to a large extent independent from present-day drainage systems. The complex patterns of genetic diversity and differentiation in pearl mussel seem to be strongly influenced by the species’ high degree of specialisation and extraordinary life history strategy which involves facultative hermaphrodism and an obligatory encystment stage on a host fish. Genetic drift effects and anthropogenic disturbances resulting in reduction of population size and loss of connectivity are less pronounced in northern pearl mussel populations compared to those in central and southern Europe.

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Acknowledgments

This work was initiated and financially supported by the Nature Conservation Office at the County Administrative Board of Västernorrland.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Animal Science, Unit of Functional Aquatic Ecology and Fish Biology, Technische Universität München, Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan, 85350, Freising, Germany

    Juergen Geist

  2. County Administrative Board of Västernorrland, Nybrogatan 15, 87186, Härnösand, Sweden

    Håkan Söderberg & Andreas Karlberg

  3. Department of Animal Science, Unit of Molecular Zoology, Technische Universität München, 85350, Freising, Germany

    Ralph Kuehn

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  1. Juergen Geist
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  2. Håkan Söderberg
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  3. Andreas Karlberg
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  4. Ralph Kuehn
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Correspondence to Juergen Geist.

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Geist, J., Söderberg, H., Karlberg, A. et al. Drainage-independent genetic structure and high genetic diversity of endangered freshwater pearl mussels (Margaritifera margaritifera) in northern Europe. Conserv Genet 11, 1339–1350 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-009-9963-4

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