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Introduction
I am interested in the biology and ecology of freshwater mussels (Unionida) with a focus on distribution, conservation and systematics.
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November 2012 - September 2015
September 1989 - December 1991
Publications
Publications (116)
The type material of freshwater mussels, Unionida, present in the collection of the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum, Frankfurt am Main, is listed alphabetically under the respective subfamilies. Where necessary, the status of the individual lots is discussed and corrected. Additional taxonomically important material is als...
Freshwater mussels cannot spread through oceanic barriers and represent a suitable model to test the continental drift patterns. Here, we reconstruct the diversification of Oriental freshwater mussels (Unionidae) and revise their taxonomy. We show that the Indian Subcontinent harbors a rather taxonomically poor fauna, containing 25 freshwater musse...
The distribution of the thick shelled river mussel is naturally discontinuous, both locally, within the course of a stream/river as well as on a regional scale in the catchment area of a river or in a landscape. The situation has been significantly exacerbated by anthropogenic influences, causing an increasing isolation of remnant populations, stro...
Microcondylaea bonellii is a freshwater mussel with a restricted distribution area that faces a serious decline. Presently, little is known about its biology and ecology. Data on reproduction, growth and habitat of a population living in a stream in northeastern Italy were collected in the years 1990–2003. The species is a short-time breeder with e...
The relationship between dispersal and differentiation of the European freshwater mussel Unio pictorum (Linnaeus, 1758) was studied with molecular genetic methods. Forty-two populations from France, Italy and central Europe were analysed. Genetic relationships were assessed from the geographical distribution of allele frequencies at 17 enzyme loci....
Here, we present a synthesis of the available knowledge on the Giant Freshwater Pearl Mussel Pseudunio auricularius (= Margaritifera auricularia) (Spengler, 1793). We also identify critical knowledge gaps that require attention for effective conservation guidance and species recovery. Pseudunio auricularius is one of Europe’s most endangered invert...
The global decline of freshwater mussels and their crucial ecological services highlight the need to understand their phylogeny, phylogeography and patterns of genetic diversity to guide conservation efforts. Such knowledge is urgently needed for Unio crassus, a highly imperilled species originally widespread throughout Europe and southwest Asia. R...
A new record for Anodonta cygnea in Spain is given, coming from a historical museum collection. This casts doubts on the alien status for this species in the Iberian Peninsula
India represents a tropical biodiversity hotspot, harbouring a unique and largely endemic fauna of freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae). Unfortunately, the type series of many freshwater mussel taxa historically described from this country are thought to be lost. Here, we report on the rediscovery of the type series of Parreysia corrugata (O.F...
Earlier, Sinanodonta lauta was thought to occur in Germany based on morphological data. However, new DNA analyses of this sample revealed that it belongs to the so-called temperate invasive lineage of Sinanodonta woodiana. Our findings highlight that Sinanodonta species cannot be distinguished by conchological features alone and that the DNA-based...
Published in: Beiträge zur Naturkunde in Osthessen 57: 19-25, Fulda. ISSN 0342-5452
The freshwater pearl mussels from Buntsandstein areas (Lower Triassic), described as the subspecies Margaritifera margaritifera parvula (HAAS, 1908), generally remained smaller than specimens from other regions and a shorter life span of only about 30 years was as...
Freshwater bivalves are highly threatened and globally declining due to multiple anthropogenic impacts, making them important conservation targets. Because conservation policies and actions generally occur at the species level, accurate species identification and delimitation is critical. A recent phylogenetic study of Italian mussel populations re...
Fischer & Teichwirt 71 (03/2020): 84, Nürnberg. (ISSN 0342-5703) Article in German. -.-.-.- Infection experiments were conducted with the larvae of Sinanodonta woodiana from a pond near Freiburg (Germany). Of 6 fish species not tested so far, 4 proved to be suitable hosts (Scardinius erythrophtalmus, Gasterosteus aculeatus, Neogobius melanostomus,...
Mitteilungen des Badischen Landesvereins für Naturkunde und Naturschutz e.V., Neue Folge 22: 653-662, Freiburg i. Br. (ISSN 0067-2858) -.-.-.- In autumn 2018, the freshwater mussels were recovered from Waldsee pond in Freiburg. Populations of three native and one invasive species were found. The number of animals was estimated about 18,000, of whic...
Freshwater bivalves are highly threatened and globally declining due to multiple anthropogenic impacts, making them important conservation targets. Because conservation policies and actions generally occur at the species level, accurate species identification and delimitation is critical. A recent phylogenetic study of Italian mussel populations re...
Freshwater mussels are declining globally, and effective conservation requires prioritizing research and actions to identify and mitigate threats impacting mussel species. Conservation priorities vary widely, ranging from preventing imminent extinction to maintaining abundant populations. Here, we develop a portfolio of priority research topics for...
Delimiting species boundaries is a fundamental yet challenging task that has been especially problematic in morphologically conserved lineages. The use of genetic markers and phylogenetic approaches has proven of paramount importance to resolve these cases. Using the genus Unio as a case study, we have analysed two mitochondrial markers, cytochrome...
Freshwater mussels of the Order Unionida provide important ecosystem functions and services, yet many of their populations are in decline. We comprehensively review the status of the 16 currently recognized species in Europe, collating for the first time their life-history traits, distribution, conservation status, habitat preferences, and main thr...
The thick-shelled river mussel, Unio crassus, was formerly widespread and abundant in running waters of the Vogelsberg region (Hessen, Germany). The development of its population has been traced in three areas over an extended period, and attempts were undertaken to save some of the known populations from extinction. The conditions in the Altefeld...
The distribution of circum-Mediterranean fauna was dramatically affected by palaeogeographical events during the Cenozoic. The biogeographical history of freshwater mussels is related to the development of the continental watershed during the Tertiary and Pleistocene glacial cycles. Our study model is Potomida littoralis (Cuvier, 1798), a Palaearct...
All previous research indicated that Pisidium amnicum was found to be widespread in the German federal state of Hesse. However, in the last 30 years virtually no records of this species have been published. Recent findings indicate that viable populations have been found in several streams and rivers. So far, specific surveys or analyses on a count...
Information on the growth and age of the endangered freshwater mussel Unio crassus Philipsson, 1788 is crucial to correctly assess the conservation status of a particular population. This long-term study of individually marked specimens from four populations from central and southwest Germany revealed that zero growth and shrinkage of adult mussels...
Swan mussel (Anodonta cygnea): description, biology, general distribution, historical and present distribution in Hesse (Germany), utilisation and additional information, distribution map (Hesse).
Freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera): description, biology, general distribution, historical and present distribution in Hesse (Germany), utilisation and history, distribution map (Hesse)
Conservation projects for the freshwater pearl mussel, Margaritifera margaritifera in Hesse (Germany): brief history, actions taken, failure.
Duck mussel (Anodonta anatina): description, biology, general distribution, historical and present distribution in Hesse (Germany), utilisation and additional information, distribution map (Hesse).
Painter's mussel (Unio pictorum): description, biology, general distribution, historical and present distribution in Hesse (Germany), utilisation and additional information, distribution map (Hesse).
Thick-shelled river mussel (Unio crassus): description, biology, general distribution, historical and present distribution in Hesse (Germany), utilisation and additional information, distribution map (Hesse).
Freshwater mussels (Unionida: Unionidae and Margaritiferidae): external features, reproduction, feeding, age, ecological significance, habitat requirements, threats and environmental effects, legal status and protection of species currently or formerly living in Hesse (Germany).
Depressed river mussel (Pseudanodonta complanata): description, biology, general distribution, historical and present distribution in Hesse (Germany), utilisation and additional information, distribution map (Hesse).
Swollen river mussel (Unio tumidus): description, biology, general distribution, historical and present distribution in Hesse (Germany), utilisation and additional information, distribution map (Hesse).
Conservation projects for the thick-shelled river mussel, Unio crassus, in Hesse (Germany): history and list of projects, actions taken, achievements.
Brief accounts of biology, ecology and distribution of native (Sphaeriidae: Sphaerium, Musculium, Pisidium) and invasive (Dreissena, Corbicula) small-sized freshwater mussels living in waterbodies in Hesse (Germany).
Introduction and Impressum to Atlas der Fische Hessens/Atlas of Fishes of Hesse (Germany), FENA Wissen, Vol. 2 (lampreys, fishes, crayfish, freshwater mussels living in the German Federal Land Hessen)
A report on the revision of the collection of large freshwater mussels (Unionida) in the Senckenberg Natural History Museum, Frankfurt am Main, Germany and results concerning the Western Palearctic species.
The freshwater pearl mussel, Margaritifera margaritifera, of the Vogelsberg Mountain (central Hesse, Germany) was a unique population in its ecological and genetical characteristics. The population was the first of only a few that were discovered to live on basaltic substratum. The species was restricted to a single stream and its main tributary. W...
Data on the occurrence of naiads (river mussels, Unionidae) in the department of Haut-Rhin (Upper Rhine department, Alsace region, France) are presented in only a few publications of the 19th century. Recent reviews are lacking. Based on samples from the mid-1990s and a survey carried out in autumn 2011, it is now possible for us to determine the n...
Presentation abstract: A review of the taxonomy of Western Palearctic naiads (large freshwater mussels, Margaritiferidae and Unionidae) and open questions concerning unrecognised species and diversity hotspots.
Progress in the study of the unionid fauna (freshwater pearly mussels, Unionoida: Unionidae and Margaritiferidae) in the Vogelsberg region (Hesse, Central Germany) has proceeded through several phases. Following some individual notes in the 19th century, the number of records began to increase at the beginning of the 20th century. Jungbluth & Schmi...
download of full text: www.dmg.mollusca.de/mitteilungen084/mitt-084_011-018-nagel-authorized.pdf
15 shell series of Unio crassus from the drainage systems of Lake Constance, upper Rhine and upper Danube were assigned by three experts to the subspecies reported to occur in Germany. The results revealed only little consensus among experts and with r...
Presentation of a current research project at the Natural History Museum Madrid (leader: R. Araujo) to study the taxonomy and phylogenetics of Western Palearctic naiads (large freshwater mussels, Margaritiferidae and Unionidae).
In: Aktuelle Forschungsprojekte in der Malakologie, zusammengestellt und redaktionell bearbeitet von I. RICHLING
Looking, Feeling, Digging – Strategies and Methods for the Mapping of the Thick-shelled River Mussel
Knowledge about the behaviour and life history of the thick-shelled river mussel, Unio crassus, is prerequisite for any successful approach to mapping and evaluating its populations. Unfortunately, some biological and environmental aspects have bee...
Presentation abstract: A review of research, distribution, and conservation of the freshwater mussels (Margaritiferidae, Unionidae) of the Vogelsberg Mountain (Central German Uplands, Hesse, Germany).
poster (abstract) - 45. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Malakozoologischen Gesellschaft in Gießen vom 2.-5.6.2006
Reproductive cycle, reproductive behaviour, larval anatomy, and habitat characteristics are reviewed for Microcondylaea bonellii (A. Férussac, 1827) from the Torrente Versa, north-eastern Italy.
poster (abstract) - 45. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Malakozoologischen Gesellschaft in Gießen vom 2.-5.6.2006
A review of the research history, distribution, and conservation status of freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae) in Slovakia is given.
The rediscovery of the freshwater pearl mussel in the river Nister, Westerwald region, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, is reported. The species was considered to be extinct there for 20 years. 16 individuals were found to date with shell lengths ranging from 100 to 125 mm. Some mussels released immature larvae or sperm thus showing their capability...
We summarise and analyse the data on the distribution of unionids (Bivalvia: Unionidae Rafinesque 1820) in the Slovak Republic and discuss ecological classification and conservation status of the species. Seven species are currently recognized: Unio crassus, U. pictorum, U. tumidus, Anodonta anatina, A. cygnea, Pseudanodonta complanata and Sinanodo...
The European Union Water Framework Directive requires the achievement of environmental objectives for the ecological quality of water bodies. A comparable implementation of the Directive throughout member countries of the European Union is necessary to verify equal protection of surface waters. The Directive specifies that member states determine e...
poster (abstract) - IV. International Congress of the European Malacological Societies, October 10 – 14 2005, Naples (Italy)
Research history, distribution, and conservation status of the freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae) of Slovakia are reported.
Poster abstract - IV. International Congress of the European Malacological Societies, October 10 – 14, 2005, Naples (Italy)
Reproductive cycle and reproductive behaviour, larval anatomy, and habitat characteristics of Microcondylaea bonellii (A. Férussac, 1827) are presented.
(corrected) In this short contribution we present the mollusk coenosis of the Tisovník stream. This drainage is situated in the south part of central Slovakia. The Tisovník stream is important particularly with regard to nature protection because it is one of the few known localites in Slovakia with a big population of Unio crassus albensis. The mo...
Data on the occurrence of gravid Potomida littoralis are presented from museum collections,
field samplings and published literature. Gravid animals and released glochidia are
recorded to occur between March and October. The smallest gravid animals were four or
five years old. The length of the brooding period apparently follows a latitudinal cline...
Freshwater molluscs of the Orava Region - The article brings results of the research on freshwater molluscs of the Orava region in northwestern Slovakia. The Orava region comprises thirteen different orographical units, where 28 molluscs species were found in total, including two subspecies. Alzoniella slovenica and Unio crassus albensis are signif...
An inventory of the Italian Unionida from the Paulucci Collection is presented. This important collection from the second half of the 19th century is kept in the Zoological Museum „La Specola“ in Florence, Italy. The part of the Paulucci collection examined consists of 862 boxes in which 1241 entire specimens, 81 right valves and 58 left valves wer...
The population development of native freshwater mussels is a proof of the fact that many inland waters are far from natural conditions. Freshwater mussels are excellent indicators for the interaction of different environmental habitat compartments due to their complex life cycle. Their larvae are fish parasites while young mussels partly live burie...
The population development of native freshwater mussels is a proof of the fact that many inland waters are far from natural conditions. Freshwater mussels are excellent indicators for the interaction of different environmental habitat compartments due to their complex life cycle. Their larvae are fish parasites while young mussels partly live burie...
A popular article about species of river mussels (Unionidae) occuring in Slovakia, threats to their habitats and survival and call for their protection.
A report on parts of a twinning project (2001-2002) between the Slovak Ministry of Environment and the Italian Province of Turin about the implementation of European Directives (mainly Water Framework Directive) in the field of environmental protection and nature conservation. Main topics: water quality control; good quality status of surface and g...
The priority and intensity of conservation measures for endangered species depend in part on the assessment of population size. Almost all extant populations of the freshwater pearl mussel in Central and Western Europe are small remaining stocks when compared to other populations living under good conditions. Healthy populations may comprise at lea...
Data on first occurence and initial distribution of Corbicula fluminea in the Slovakian part of the river Danube are given.
NAGEL, K.-O. (2001): Schutzstrategien aus Erkenntnissen über sehr kleine Populationen der Flussperlmuschel (Margaritifera margaritifera L. 1758) - Conservation lessons from very small populations of Margaritifera margaritifera. - Tagungsband des Kongresses/Proceedings of the congress: „Die Flussperlmuschel in Europa: Bestandssituation und Schutzmaß...
http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-642-56869-5_4
The taxonomy and systematics of European freshwater mussels (naiades: Unionidae and Margaritiferidae) have suffered from an overestimation of shell characters. Since ecological factors have a strong influence on shell form (Ortmann 1920; Agrell 1948; Kodolova and Logvinenko 1973; Watters...
Review (in German) of a) preparation techniques for the study of soft body anatomy and larval morphology, b) comparison of the main features of mantle, siphonal papillae, stomach, gills, glochidium morphology, and c) phylogenetic relationships of European freshwater mussels (Unionidae and Margaritiferidae).
Threats to freshwater mussels in central Hesse and scientific species conservation concepts
Review article (in German) on a) threats (species threatened, priority setting, main threats), b) species conservation concepts (how to detect need for action, emergency measures, long-term conservation concepts).
Presentation abstract: A summary of population genetics studies on European large freshwater mussels (Unionidae).
Freshwater mussels: Population trends and conservation options in Hesse
Review article (in German) on a) biology and ecology of unionid freshwater mussels (habitat, food, reproduction and ontogeny, life span), b) history of knowledge about distribution and imperilment of freshwater mussels in Hesse, c) current threats, d) experiences from conserva...
Recent findings of studies on comparative anatomy, fine structure analysis, and enzyme genetics of freshwater mussels (families Unionidae and Margaritiferidae) are reviewed. On the basis of these results the systematics of European naiades is re-evaluated. The presence of a complete gill diaphragm and a supra-anal opening, and the formation of true...
Data are given on the occurence of Corbicula in the upper River Rhine and in western France. The mussels were found in the River Rhine and in watercourses directly connected to it. Additionally they were found in an irrigation channel deriving from the Rhine-Rhone-channel in Alsace. Corbicula has also invaded the Adour system in western France. Mus...
Enzyme electrophoresis was used to study population genetics and molecular differentiation of European Anodontmae. The existence of two genera ( Anodonta Lamarck 1799 and Pseudanodonta Bour-guignat 1876) is supported by the number of diagnostic loa (4) and Net's D > 0.463 in all cases. In western and central Europe there are two species of Anodonta...
Presentation abstract: The application of gene flow statistics to problems of (sub)specific differentiation and the comparison of genetic and distance matrices to test the relative roles of geological and biological events and of anthropogenic activities for the distribution of unionid taxa (Bivalvia: Unionidae).
Field observations and laboratory experiments were made to define the host range for the glochidia of Unio mancus. Near the mouth of the Po river Leuciscus cephalus, Tinca tinca, Scardinius erythrophthalmus, Lepomis gibbosus, and Ictalurus melas were found infected. Artificial infection showed that, in addition, Rutilus erythrophthalmus, Leuciscus...
Listing of the series of European river mussels (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Margaritiferidae and Unionidae) in the Strobel collection (Pellegrino Strobel, 1821 - 1895) of the Natural History Museum of the University of Parma, Italy, with short diagnoses and notes on distribution of the taxa and line drawings of selected specimens.
Presentation abstract: A review of anatomy, shell and larval morphology, and genetic distances of European large freshwater mussels (Margaritiferidae and Unionidae) and implications for their systematics.
The variability of growth in length in three species of the Unionidae has been studied along the small river Schwalm (Northern Hesse, FRG). Comparisons were made regarding a) the mean lengths of winter rings, and b) the parameters of growth curves according to VON BERTALANFFY (1938) at different sampling sites.
The mean lengths of winter rings diff...
A popular article about the little known freshwater mussels (as compared to marine mussels or "sea food") in the magazine of the Piedmont (Italy) nature reserves and parks' administration.
The uptake of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Pb, and Hg) under different conditions of feeding and metal concentration was tested in the freshwater bivalve Unio elongatulus. In the first experiment different organs (gills, mantle, foot containing viscera) were analysed separately. Gills generally showed the highest concentration factors. Feeding did not inf...
At present the last population of freshwater pearl mussels in the federal state of Hesse (Germany) consists of 20 animals. Despite previous assumptions some of the animals still produce larvae. Larvae are incubated from the middle of July to the end of August, approximately. The major part of the animals is between 24 and 33 years old, the youngest...
Five populations of the highly endangered freshwater mussel Unio crassus were studied in the federal state of Hesse. Growth in length of individually marked mussels was recorded in two populations. In both of them the animals, all having more than 5 years, grew only insignificantly (mean annual length increment 0,4 and 0,3 mm, resp.). Growth curves...
An electrophoretic analysis was made of eleven populations of Unio pictorum from Central Europe and of nine populations of U. elongatulus from Italy, considering eight enzyme systems (17 loci). Mean heterozygosity levels and polymorphism diminish in small and/or isolated populations. No diagnostic loci were found for the two supposed species and th...
The freshwater bivalve Unio elongatulus was exposed to three different concentrations of a metal mixture containing Cd, Cr, Pb (50/500/1000 ppb), and Hg (5/50/100 ppb). The accumulation of heavy metals in the gills was analysed during short- (18 days) and long-time (97 days) exposure. Bioaccumulation was evident for all the metals tested. Accumulat...
First results are presented on the experimental induction of micronuclei in a freshwater bivalve (Unio elongatulus) and two fish species (Tinca tinca and Anguilla anguilla) exposed to heavy metals in various concentrations. In Unio only slight differences were recorded between the frequencies of induced and spontaneously occuring micronuclei. Tinca...
Lebenszyklus, Ansprüche und Schutzbedürfnisse einheimischer Flussmuschelarten werden beschrieben und positive und negative Beispiele aus der Praxis des Artenschutzes genannt.
Freshwater molluscs (Gastropoda and Bivalvia) were sampled in the Moyamba and Bo districts of Sierra Leone in 1986. Bulinus senegalensis, Caelatura aegyptiaca ssp., and Mutela ovata are recorded for the first time from Sierra Leone. Sierraia whitei is confirmed to occur in the Sewa river drainage. The other species collected are Saulea vitrea, Sier...
Poster abstract
Data about reproductive cycle, larval morphology, anatomy and allozyme diversity are presented for Microcondylaea compressa (Menke, 1828) [= bonellii (Férussac, 1827)].
Questions
Question (1)
There is evidence of Corbicula (in this case fluminea, an invasive species i.a. in Europe and North America) that the species is "moving" upstream in small rivers and streams where the usual suspects shipping (i.e. ballast water) and transport of dredged materials (gravel extracted from the river bottom or from already "infested" gravel pits) are not acting. What other "agents" might be responsible for the upstream migration of the Asiatic clam? Any ideas or proofs of alternative ways for spreading of Corbicula (as larvae or adults)?
