DOCSLIB.ORG

Capstone Study Invasive Species in Riparian Habitats of Washington

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Capstone Study Invasive Species in Riparian Habitats of Washington Capstone Study Invasive Species in Riparian Habitats of Washington: Using Species Distribution Models to Guide Monitoring Efforts Samantha Nicole Smiley Masters of Natural Resources Oregon State University Capstone Project March 5, 2021 Contents Abstract ......................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Objectives ...................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Review of Literature on Select Washington Invasive Species ....................................................................................... 8 Potamopyrgus antipodarum (New Zealand mudsnail) .............................................................................................. 8 Lithobates catesbeianus (American Bullfrog) .......................................................................................................... 11 Cipangopaludina chinensisis (Chinese Mystery Snail) ............................................................................................. 14 Myriophyllum spicatum (Eurasian Watermilfoil) ..................................................................................................... 17 Egeria densa (Brazilian Elodea)................................................................................................................................ 20 Butomus umbellatus (Flowering Rush) .................................................................................................................... 24 Reynoutria japonica (Japanese Knotweed) and Polygonum sachalinense (Giant Knotweed) ................................. 28 Species Distribution Model Methods .......................................................................................................................... 32 Methodology ........................................................................................................................................................... 32 Model Building ......................................................................................................................................................... 35 Model Evaluation ..................................................................................................................................................... 35 Results ......................................................................................................................................................................... 36 Discussion .................................................................................................................................................................... 50 Conclusions .................................................................................................................................................................. 53 References ................................................................................................................................................................... 55 Abstract Riparian ecosystems provide critical habitat for a broad diversity of aquatic and terrestrial species. However, due to their connectivity along river corridors, and the tendency for people to build roads, infrastructure, and other settlements next to rivers, riparian ecosystems are vulnerable to colonization by invasive plant and animal species. Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) is vital for monitoring and managing novel invasions as well as population expansions of known invasive species. Species distribution modeling (SDM) can be used to identify high priority locations for monitoring to catch early colonization by invasive species when there is still time for complete eradication. This case study targeted 8 invasive plant and animal species of concern to forest managers that are associated with riparian habitats. A literature review was completed to understand the biological and ecological factors that influence potential species distributions. Species distribution models were created for the 8 plant and animal species using Maxent program and bioclimatic variables. Generally, model results show high predicted suitability in the Puget Sound for all 8 species, with lower predicted suitability in the northeastern portion of the state. This paper demonstrates how SDM can be used to identify potential species distributions of invasive species thereby allowing forest managers to identify new infestations and plan cost-effective and efficient early detection monitoring efforts. With swift eradication efforts managers can minimize the impact that new infestations of invasive species have on riparian forests. Introduction Riparian Habitat The riparian ecosystem is considered a vital transitional zone connecting terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems (Everest and Reeves 2006). In the Pacific Northwest, the riparian forest ecosystem is the transition between forest and freshwater environments include riverbanks, floodplains, and wetlands. These forest riparian ecosystems are resilient and provide critical habitat for a variety of aquatic and terrestrial species including threatened and endangered trout such as Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus). The forested rivers and streams provide vegetation cover to regulate stream temperatures and allows for the recruitment of large woody debris. Throughout the world, riparian zones are recognized for the complexity of species they support, and the habitats that they provide (Naiman and Decamps 1997). These critical riparian zones provide ecological functions such as streamflow, water quality, stream nutrients and complex habitats for a variety of fish and wildlife (Everest and Reeves 2006). Riparian habitats also provide important ecosystem services for human populations by removing excess nutrients and sediments from water (Lee et al., 2003, Poff et al., 2012). Urbanization has drastically altered the watersheds and hydrology of Washington State. Increased surface water runoff from urban developments can lead to surges of pollutants and sediments into local waterways from storm events. Discharges of water and pollutants poses extreme risks to survival of fish and wildlife (Burton and Pitt 2002), as does chronic pollution from roads (Tian et al. 2020). Riparian habitats help to mitigate and minimize the effects of storm events by naturally filtering and lowering pollutants in waterways from agriculture and municipal water runoff thereby cleaning water. Riparian areas are inherently resistant to change associated with predictable cyclical patterns of river flow and flooding. However, riparian ecosystems that are resilient to natural changes and disturbance are still vulnerable to colonization by invasive plant and animal species. Management of riparian habitats is vital to protect the diversity and maintain the ecosystem services that they provide. Invasive Species Invasive species alter the communities and structures of the ecosystems they invade (Mack et al., 2000). With time, invasive species can influence the native flora and fauna as they manipulate and modify their surroundings and can outcompete native species. For example, scientists in Europe and North America have reported that invasive Japanese knotweed leads to a reduction of native plants and invertebrate species abundance and richness (Gerber et al. 2008; Claeson et al. 2014). This decreased species abundance and diversity can change the composition of native plants in riparian forests and thus change the ecosystem benefits that these forests provide. Invasive species may also impact the abiotic components of the ecosystem. These abiotic factors include physical structure, nutrient availability, and water temperature and depth (Simberloff 2013). One example of this environmental modification can be found in zebra and quagga mussels that have invaded the soft substrates of Lake Erie, USA (Berkman et al., 2000). These colonies generate a hard substrate with their shells allowing for easier attachment of mussel larvae. These new harder mussel bed substrates lead to changes in water flow dynamics. All these changes are often enough to damage the original ecosystem effecting biodiversity and can have economic impacts through loss of commercial fish or cost of managing invasions (Mack et al., 2000). Monitoring Invasive Species Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) is vital for monitoring and managing invasive species (Simberloff, 2013). EDRR allows for practical and effective control or eradication of invasive species before populations become widespread. Common methods for the detection of invasive species include surveys and monitoring programs (Simberloff, 2013). These programs can often be expensive and may suffer from a lack of resources. New advances in technology can help to target monitoring resources more effectively. Species distribution modeling (SDM) can be used to identify high priority locations for monitoring and identify potential locations of new infestations. Species distribution modeling methods can be used to visualize a distribution where a species may occur. The generated models can be mapped to visually represent the fundamental niche of a species,
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Sensitivity of Freshwater Snails to Aquatic Contaminants: Survival and Growth of Endangered Snail Species and Surrogates in 28-D
    Sensitivity of freshwater snails to aquatic contaminants: Survival and growth of endangered snail species and surrogates in 28-day exposures to copper, ammonia and pentachlorophenol John M. Besser, Douglas L. Hardesty, I. Eugene Greer, and Christopher G. Ingersoll U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri Administrative Report (CERC-8335-FY07-20-10) submitted to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Project Number: 05-TOX-04, Basis 8335C2F, Task 3. Project Officer: Dr. David R. Mount USEPA/ORD/NHEERL Mid-Continent Ecology Division 6201 Congdon Blvd, Duluth, MN 55804 USA April 13, 2009 Abstract – Water quality degradation may be an important factor affecting declining populations of freshwater snails, many of which are listed as endangered or threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Toxicity data for snails used to develop U.S. national recommended water quality criteria include mainly results of acute tests with pulmonate (air-breathing) snails, rather than the non-pulmonate snail taxa that are more frequently endangered. Pulmonate pond snails (Lymnaea stagnalis) were obtained from established laboratory cultures and four taxa of non-pulmonate taxa from field collections. Field-collected snails included two endangered species from the Snake River valley of Idaho -- Idaho springsnail (Pyrgulopsis idahoensis; which has since been de-listed) and Bliss Rapids snail (Taylorconcha serpenticola) -- and two non-listed taxa, a pebblesnail (Fluminicola sp.) collected from the Snake River and Ozark springsnail (Fontigens aldrichi) from southern Missouri. Cultures were maintained using simple static-renewal systems, with adults removed periodically from aquaria to allow isolation of neonates for long-term toxicity testing.
    [Show full text]
  • 12-Month Finding on a Petition to Remove the Bliss Rapids Snail
    47536 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 178 / Wednesday, September 16, 2009 / Proposed Rules (2) The amount of the allotment for (1) The State has submitted to the claimed during a 2-year period of each of the 50 States and the District of Secretary, and has approved by the availability, beginning with the fiscal Columbia, and for each of the Secretary a State plan amendment or year of the final allotment and ending Commonwealths and Territories (not waiver request relating to an expansion with the end of the succeeding fiscal including the additional amount for FY of eligibility for children or benefits year following the fiscal year. 2009 determined under paragraph under title XXI of the Act that becomes Authority: (Section 1102 of the Social (c)(2)(ii) of this section) is equal to the effective for a fiscal year (beginning Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1302) product of: with FY 2010 and ending with FY (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (i) The percentage determined by 2013); and Program No. 93.778, Medical Assistance dividing the amount in paragraph (2) The State has submitted to the Program) (e)(2)(i)(A) by the amount in paragraph Secretary, before the August 31 (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (e)(2)(i)(B) of this section. preceding the beginning of the fiscal Program No. 93.767, State Children’s Health (A) The amount of the State allotment year, a request for an expansion Insurance Program)) allotment adjustment under this for each of the 50 States and the District Dated: June 19, 2009.
    [Show full text]
  • Native Unionoida Surveys, Distribution, and Metapopulation Dynamics in the Jordan River-Utah Lake Drainage, UT
    Version 1.5 Native Unionoida Surveys, Distribution, and Metapopulation Dynamics in the Jordan River-Utah Lake Drainage, UT Report To: Wasatch Front Water Quality Council Salt Lake City, UT By: David C. Richards, Ph.D. OreoHelix Consulting Vineyard, UT 84058 email: [email protected] phone: 406.580.7816 May 26, 2017 Native Unionoida Surveys and Metapopulation Dynamics Jordan River-Utah Lake Drainage 1 One of the few remaining live adult Anodonta found lying on the surface of what was mostly comprised of thousands of invasive Asian clams, Corbicula, in Currant Creek, a former tributary to Utah Lake, August 2016. Summary North America supports the richest diversity of freshwater mollusks on the planet. Although the western USA is relatively mollusk depauperate, the one exception is the historically rich molluskan fauna of the Bonneville Basin area, including waters that enter terminal Great Salt Lake and in particular those waters in the Jordan River-Utah Lake drainage. These mollusk taxa serve vital ecosystem functions and are truly a Utah natural heritage. Unfortunately, freshwater mollusks are also the most imperiled animal groups in the world, including those found in UT. The distribution, status, and ecologies of Utah’s freshwater mussels are poorly known, despite this unique and irreplaceable natural heritage and their protection under the Clean Water Act. Very few mussel specific surveys have been conducted in UT which requires specialized training, survey methods, and identification. We conducted the most extensive and intensive survey of native mussels in the Jordan River-Utah Lake drainage to date from 2014 to 2016 using a combination of reconnaissance and qualitative mussel survey methods.
    [Show full text]
  • Pacific Northwest Region Invasive Plant Program Preventing and Managing Invasive Plants Final Environmental Impact Statement
    Pacific Northwest Region Invasive Plant Program Preventing and Managing Invasive Plants Final Environmental Impact Statement USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region States of Oregon and Washington, Including Portions of Del Norte and Siskiyou Counties in California, and Portions of Nez Perce, Salmon, Idaho, and Adams Counties in Idaho Lead Agency: USDA Forest Service Responsible Official: Linda Goodman, Regional Forester Pacific Northwest Region 333 SW First Ave. PO Box 3623 Portland, OR 97208 For More Information: IPEIS, Eugene Skrine, Team Leader PO Box 3623 Portland, OR 97208 Ph: (503) 808-2685 Fax: (503) 808-2699 Email: [email protected] www.fs.fed.us/r6/invasiveplant-eis Abstract: The Forest Service proposes to add management direction to all existing National Forest Land and Resource Management Plans in the Pacific Northwest Region (Region Six). This direction would standardize invasive plant prevention, and expand the set of invasive plant treatment tools available for use on National Forests in Region Six. The FEIS considers four alternatives in detail (including No Action). Adoption of the standards in any of the action alternatives would likely reduce the extent and rate of spread of invasive plants across the region, and help prevent new infestations. All of the action alternatives include standards to protect human health and the environment. The Forest Service preferred alternative is the Proposed Action. Preventing and Managing Invasive Plants Final Environmental Impact Statement April 2005 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status.
    [Show full text]
  • Two New Genera of Hydrobiid Snails (Prosobranchia: Rissooidea) from the Northwestern United States
    THE VELIGER © CMS, Inc., 1994 The Veliger 37(3):221-243 (July 1, 1994) Two New Genera of Hydrobiid Snails (Prosobranchia: Rissooidea) from the Northwestern United States by ROBERT HERSHLER Department of Invertebrate Zoology (Mollusks), National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. 20560, USA TERRENCE J. FREST AND EDWARD J. JOHANNES DEIXIS Consultants, 2517 NE65th Street, Seattle, Washington 98115, USA PETER A. BOWLER Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, California 92717, USA AND FRED G. THOMPSON Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA Abstract. Based on morphological study of recently collected material, Bythinella hemphilli, distributed within the lower Snake-Columbia River basin, is transferred to a new genus, Pristinicola; and Tay- lorconcha serpenticola, new genus and new species, a federally listed taxon restricted to a short reach of the Middle Snake River in Idaho and previously known by the common name, Bliss Rapids Snail, is described. These genera do not appear closely related either to one another or to other North American Hydrobiidae. INTRODUCTION known. Perhaps the most significant unresolved question pertaining to the local described fauna involves the status Among the large freshwater molluscan fauna of the United of Bythinella hemphilli. Pilsbry's original placement of this States, prosobranch snails of the family Hydrobiidae com- species in Bythinella, which is otherwise known only from pose one of the most diverse groups, totaling about 170 Europe (Banarescu, 1990:342), has long been questioned, described species. Although the state of knowledge of these and two other generic assignments have been offered.
    [Show full text]
  • Section 7 Consultation Programmatic Biological Opinion
    Endangered Species Act - Section 7 Consultation Programmatic Biological Opinion Addressing Oil and Hazardous Substance Spill/Release Response Activities in Selected Areas of Idaho, Washington, and Oregon U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Reference Number: 01E00000-2015-F-0001 Action Agencies: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10 U.S. Coast Guard, 13th Coast Guard District Prepared By: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Interior Region 9 - Columbia-Pacific Northwest _____________________________________________ Marjorie Nelson, Acting Assistant Regional Director Ecological Services ___________________________ Date 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS .........................................................................2 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................7 Consultation History ................................................................................8 BIOLOGICAL AND CONFERENCE OPINION ...................................12 Description of the Proposed Action ......................................................................... 12 Response Planning Under the Northwest Area Contingency Plan .................... 13 Response Action Command Structure and Coordination .................................. 15 Role of Geographic Response Plans (GRPs) ..................................................... 17 Coordination of Response Activities with the ESA ............................................ 18 Decision Process for Use of Non-Mechanical Countermeasures ....................
    [Show full text]
  • American Fisheries Society • JUNE 2013
    VOL 38 NO 6 FisheriesAmerican Fisheries Society • www.fisheries.org JUNE 2013 All Things Aquaculture Habitat Connections Hobnobbing Boondoggles? Freshwater Gastropod Status Assessment Effects of Anthropogenic Chemicals 03632415(2013)38(6) Biology and Management of Inland Striped Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass James S. Bulak, Charles C. Coutant, and James A. Rice, editors The book provides a first-ever, comprehensive overview of the biology and management of striped bass and hybrid striped bass in the inland waters of the United States. The book’s 34 chapters are divided into nine major sections: History, Habitat, Growth and Condition, Population and Harvest Evaluation, Stocking Evaluations, Natural Reproduction, Harvest Regulations, Conflicts, and Economics. A concluding chapter discusses challenges and opportunities currently facing these fisheries. This compendium will serve as a single source reference for those who manage or are interested in inland striped bass or hybrid striped bass fisheries. Fishery managers and students will benefit from this up-to-date overview of priority topics and techniques. Serious anglers will benefit from the extensive information on the biology and behavior of these popular sport fishes. 588 pages, index, hardcover List price: $79.00 AFS Member price: $55.00 Item Number: 540.80C Published May 2013 TO ORDER: Online: fisheries.org/ bookstore American Fisheries Society c/o Books International P.O. Box 605 Herndon, VA 20172 Phone: 703-661-1570 Fax: 703-996-1010 Fisheries VOL 38 NO 6 JUNE 2013 Contents COLUMNS President’s Hook 245 Scientific Meetings are Essential If our society considers student participation in our major meetings as a high priority, why are federal and state agen- cies inhibiting attendance by their fisheries professionals at these very same meetings, deeming them non-essential? A colony of the federally threatened Tulotoma attached to the John Boreman—AFS President underside of a small boulder from lower Choccolocco Creek, 262 Talladega County, Alabama.
    [Show full text]
  • (Pyrgulopsis Robusta), Harney Lake Springsnail (Pyrgulopsis Hendersoni), and Columbia Springsnail (Pyrgulopsis New Species 6) As Threatened Or Endangered
    PETITION BEFORE THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR Petition to List the Jackson Lake springsnail (Pyrgulopsis robusta), Harney Lake springsnail (Pyrgulopsis hendersoni), and Columbia springsnail (Pyrgulopsis new species 6) as Threatened or Endangered Submitted by: Dr. Peter Bowler, Biodiversity Conservation Alliance, Center for Biological Diversity, Center for Native Ecosystems, Western Watersheds Project, The Xerces Society July 2004 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Invertebrates comprise nearly 99% of the world’s animal diversity and play an invaluable role in maintaining environmental health and integrity. Invertebrates are a part of nearly every food chain, are responsible for recycling plant and animal waste in soils and waters, and are crucial to ensuring the perpetuation of food webs. Mollusks, invertebrates characterized by their shells and which include snails, slugs, clams, mussels, and other creatures, are one of the most diverse group of animals in the world. Worldwide, it is estimated that 50,000-200,000 different mollusk species exist on land and in freshwater. These species exist in an incredible diversity of environments, playing a vital role in sustaining clean and healthy air, soil, water, and vegetation. In the western United States, which includes the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming, land and freshwater mollusks are probably the most diverse group of animals and comprise an irreplaceable proportion of worldwide diversity. Over a thousand species of snails, slugs, clams, and mussels are found on land and in freshwater. Scientists estimate hundreds more species have yet to be discovered. Some species in the west exist in only one or two locations, such as a desert spring, a stand of ancient forest, or a coastal island, and are found nowhere else in the world.
    [Show full text]
  • Exotic Organisms in Greater Yellowstone: Native Biodiversity Under Siege.” Mr
    Western North American Naturalist Volume 61 Number 3 Article 15 7-27-2001 Front Matter, Vol. 61 No. 3 Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/wnan Part of the Anatomy Commons, Botany Commons, Physiology Commons, and the Zoology Commons Recommended Citation (2001) "Front Matter, Vol. 61 No. 3," Western North American Naturalist: Vol. 61 : No. 3 , Article 15. Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/wnan/vol61/iss3/15 This Front Matter is brought to you for free and open access by the Western North American Naturalist Publications at BYU ScholarsArchive. It has been accepted for inclusion in Western North American Naturalist by an authorized editor of BYU ScholarsArchive. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. Western North American Naturalist Volume 61 No. 3 July 2001 Brigham Young University Western North American Naturalist 61(3), © 2001, pp. 255–256 WHAT IS NATURAL? PHILOSOPHICAL ANALYSIS AND YELLOWSTONE PRACTICE Paul Schullery1 EDITOR’S NOTE.—The following remarks were Paul Schullery’s introduction to a roundtable discussion presented during the 5th Biennial Scientific Conference on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, held 11–13 October 1999 in Yel- lowstone National Park. His remarks serve a second purpose in this issue of the WESTERN NORTH AMERICAN NATURALIST, as they set the stage for and introduce the remaining articles, all of which are papers, presentations, or addresses from that conference. The 1999 Yellowstone Biennial Conference was entitled “Exotic Organisms in Greater Yellowstone: Native Biodiversity Under Siege.” Mr. Schullery is a resource naturalist with the National Park Service in Yellowstone. It is probably true that most of us, if we Second, in 1872 there were very few adult think at all about the people who established American memories that were not struggling Yellowstone National Park in 1872, tend to see with or fleeing from personal horrors of the them as being essentially like us, only rather Civil War.
    [Show full text]
  • Bliss Rapids Snail Taylorconcha Serpenticola
    Bliss Rapids Snail Taylorconcha serpenticola Gastropoda — Neotaenioglossa — Hydrobiidae CONSERVATION STATUS / CLASSIFICATION Rangewide: Critically imperiled (G1) Statewide: Critically imperiled (S1) ESA: Threatened USFS: Region 1: No status; Region 4: No status BLM: Threatened, Endangered, Proposed, and Candidate (Type 1) IDFG: Not classified BASIS FOR INCLUSION Threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. TAXONOMY Taylorconcha, as currently arranged, is a monotypic genus. Richards et al. (2005) encountered populations of Taylorconcha in Hell’s Canyon that are thought to represent an undescribed taxon rather than new populations of the Bliss Rapids snail. DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE This aquatic snail is endemic to the Snake River and associated springs. Historically, this species occurred from Indian Cove Bridge to Twin Falls (Hershler et al. 1994). Populations occur in the lower reaches of the Malad River and in the Snake River between the springs above Hagerman and King Hill (W. Clarke, Idaho Power Company, personal communication). Recent surveys in Hells Canyon have revealed populations of snails referable to this genus, but these records may represent a taxon distinct from T. serpenticola. If these populations are thought to represent the Bliss Rapids snail, the distribution would extend into the lower reaches of the Snake River. POPULATION TREND No data are available to suggest population trend. HABITAT AND ECOLOGY The Bliss Rapids snail inhabits springs and spring-influenced river reaches. Occupied sites are in flowing water having coarse, stable substrates and excellent water quality. Water temperatures generally range from 15 to 16°C. This species is typically absent from areas with impoundments and major depth fluctuations, warm-water environments, whitewater, and sites predominant aquatic macrophytes (Hershler et al.
    [Show full text]
  • Pulmonate Snail Survey and Status in the Jordan River, UT, 2014
    May 20, 2015 Unionoida Mussel and Non- Pulmonate Snail Survey and Status in the Jordan River, UT, 2014 Final Report Prepared for: Theron Miller, Ph.D. Central Valley Water Reclamation Facility Salt Lake City, UT and Leland Myers Central Davis Sewer District Kaysville, UT Prepared by: David C. Richards, Ph.D. OreoHelix Consulting P. O. Box 996 Moab, UT 84532 Phone: 406.580.7816 Email: [email protected] May 20, 2015 Unionoida Mussel and Non- Pulmonate Snail Survey and Status in the Jordan River, UT SUMMARY North America supports the richest diversity of freshwater mollusks on the planet. Although the western USA is relatively mollusk depauperate, the one exception is the rich molluskan fauna of the Bonneville Basin area, including drainages that enter terminal Great Salt Lake (e.g. Utah Lake, Jordan River, Bear River, etc.). There are at least seventy freshwater mollusk taxa reported from UT, many of which are endemics to the Bonneville Basin and their evolution and distribution are strongly linked with the geological and geomorphic history of pluvial Lake Bonneville. These mollusk taxa serve vital ecosystem functions and are truly a Utah natural heritage. Unfortunately, freshwater mollusks are also the most imperiled animal groups in the world; including those found in UT. Despite this unique and irreplaceable natural heritage, the taxonomy, distribution, status, and ecologies of Utah’s freshwater mollusks are poorly known. Very few mollusk specific surveys have been conducted in UT. In addition, specialized training, survey methods, and identification of freshwater mollusks are required. EPA recently recommended changes in freshwater ammonia criteria based primarily on sensitive freshwater mollusks, including non-pulmonate snails and unionid taxa found in the eastern USA.
    [Show full text]
  • Two Additional Western United States Freshwater Snails Named for Terrence Frest by Edward J
    Two additional western United States freshwater snails named for Terrence Frest by Edward J. Johannes As was noted in a previous issue of The Dredgings (Holm, 2009), Terrence (Terry) J. Frest was posthumously honored by having a snail he collected from the Owyhee River drainage in Oregon named for him (Pyrgulopsis fresti Hershler and Liu, 2009; Owyhee hot springsnail). This snail was discovered by Bureau of Land Management (BLM) personnel during a helicopter survey to search for additional sites for the federally listed (endangered) Pyrgulopsis bruneauensis (Bruneau hot springsnail). Just recently two western U.S. freshwater snails, one a limpet, have been named for Terry. The limpet, in addition to being a new species, is also a new genus and was named Idaholanx fresti Campbell, Clark, and Lydeard, 2017 (Banbury Springs lanx; also known as the Banbury Springs limpet) (Figure 1). This species is in the subfamily Lancinae, within Lymnaeidae, that contain two other patelliform genera, Lanx and Fisherola (Figure 2). Lanx currently occurs in northern California and southern Oregon with the species L. patelloides (kneecap lanx) in the Sacramento and Klamath rivers and L. alta (highcap lanx) in the Smith, Umpqua and Rogue rivers. L. subrotunda and L. klamathensis are synonymized with L. alta by Campbell et al. (2017). Campbell et al. (2017) only recognized Fisherola nuttallii (shortface lanx) in this genus. It’s found confined to Figure 1 - Holotype of Idaholanx fresti the Columbia River system in From Campbell et al., 2017. Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho and a small portion of British Columbia, Canada. Idaholanx, has the most restricted occurrence, being found only in four nearby large springs in the Thousand Springs area of the Snake River, Gooding County, Idaho (Figure 3).
    [Show full text]