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DEPRESSED RIVER MUSSEL
DEPRESSED RIVER MUSSEL (PSEUDANODONTA COMPLANATA)LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN
Ecology
Appearance
The depressed river mussel is 80mm long, making it smaller than many other mussels. It has two identical shells, which are hinged on one edge and have a compressed appearance that gives the mussels its name.
Habitat
It lives in the bottom sediments of slow rivers.
Food
The depressed river mussel is a filter feeder and so filters organic matter from the water that passes through it.
Predators
The main predator of the depressed river mussel is otters.
Current Status
This mussel is seriously threatened throughout its European range. In the UK since 1950 it has been recorded from 63 ten km squares in England and Wales - from Somerset through the Welsh borders to south Yorkshire. However, the species is easily overlooked and may be more common than thought. The UK probably has the healthiest populations in Europe, with the possible exception of Finland.
In 1999 Cambridge University found one site in the Cheshire region on the Shropshire Union Canal that has depressed river mussels.
The Environment Agency undertook a survey of the Shropshire Union Canal in 2009 which found depressed river mussels at 7 sites, 6 of which had not been recorded before.
The species has a national BAP included in the Biodiversity Steering Group Report (1995).
* The threats to this species are not fully known.
* Water pollution.
* Physical disturbance of river banks and channels.
* Drought.
* Collection of individuals for garden ponds and aquaria
How are we helping to conserve the Depressed River Mussel in the Cheshire region?
Surveys are being undertaken to find where depressed river mussels are present.
Objectives, Targets and Actions
The objectives, targets and actions to help conserve the depressed river mussel in the Cheshire region can be found on the Biodiversity Action Reporting System (BARS) along with full details of our progress so far.
How to find out more about the Depressed River Mussel
UK Biodiversity Action Plan - http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=534
Contact details
LBAP Chair
Cheshire Wildlife Trust
Phone: 01948 820728
References
http://www.norfolkbiodiversity.org/SAPsHAPs/SAPs/finalversion-14depressed%20river%20mussel-feb2002.pdf
http://www.suffolk.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/CE6E9B08-6B7A-4327-A72A-D1D085266154/0/depressedmussel.pdf
http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=534