Growth and Longevity of the „Living fossil”<i>Congeria kusceri</i>(Bivalvia: Dreissenidae) from the Subterranean Dinaric Karst of Croatia

Puljas, Sanja; Peharda, Melita; Morton, Brian; Giljanović, Nives Štambuk; Jurić, Ivana

doi:10.4002/040.057.0208

Cited by 7 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…Previously reported temperatures are in the higher range; Morton et al (1998) and Puljas et al (2014) reported temperature of 13.5°C, whereas Jalžić (1998) by a water level rise meaning that an influx of cold water from the surface causes them. For instance, the lowest temperature in Žira and Jama u Predolcu caves was recorded at the same time, in February 2012, and was caused by the water level rise in the whole Trebišnjica river basin.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Congeria mulaomerovici is known from only 3 localities in the Sana River basin in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The most research has been done on C. kusceri (e.g., biology and anatomy, Morton et al, 1998;phylogeny, Stepien et al, 2001; life history, Morton & Puljas, 2013; growth and longevity, Puljas et al, 2014), as some of the caves it inhabits are easily accessible and available for research throughout the year.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Population density, habitat dynamic and aerial survival of relict cave bivalves from genus Congeria in the Dinaric karst

Glavaš¹,

Jalžić²,

Bilandžija³

2017

IJS

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Abstract:Caves are some of the least-known ecosystems on Earth and long-term ecological studies and population size estimates are very rare. Genus Congeria is a Tertiary relict that comprises three species from Dinaric karst area; C. kusceri, C. jalzici and C. mulaomerovici, each with very limited distribution. They are the only known cave bivalves and in contrast to many other cave species, they form populations with high densities. We estimated that the population of C. kusceri in Jama u Predolcu is between 72,454 and 72,906 individuals. The highest density occurred between one and three meters depth, and reached maximum of 1,625 individuals per square meter. Here we also present the results of a two-year water temperature and water level survey in several C. kusceri and C. jalzici localities. Data loggers showed that C. jalzici occurs in colder caves and higher water level oscillations then C. kusceri. From our data, it is obvious that the natural hydrological conditions in Congeria habitats were seriously altered. This and a series of other threats led to Congeria species being highly endangered. During low water levels, a part of the bivalve population becomes exposed to air in most localities. Uniquely, they are active during that period and are able to survive those conditions for more than 2 months.cave animals, Dreissenidae, Bivalvia, temperature, water level, aerial survival, population size Jovanović Glavaš O., Jalžić B. and Bilandžija H., 2017. Population density, habitat dynamic and aerial survival of relict cave bivalves from genus Congeria in the

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Population density, habitat dynamic and aerial survival of relict cave bivalves from genus Congeria in the Dinaric karst

Glavaš¹,

Jalžić²,

Bilandžija³

2017

IJS

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“…Among the unique life history traits that characterize cave adapted animals, Congeria species exhibit K-selection and larval brooding as well as a very long lifespan compared to most other bivalves, which rarely survive longer than 15 years in the wild (Moss et al, 2016). In fact, a survey carried out in the Jama u Predolcu cave revealed the presence of individuals of C. kusceri older than 50 years of age (Puljas et al, 2014). Moreover, this species reaches sexual maturity at the age of 10 years, has an annual reproductive cycle and produces just a few offspring, which are initially bred in maternal ctenidia and later live as juveniles in mantle pouches (Morton & Puljas, 2013).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Moreover, this species reaches sexual maturity at the age of 10 years, has an annual reproductive cycle and produces just a few offspring, which are initially bred in maternal ctenidia and later live as juveniles in mantle pouches (Morton & Puljas, 2013). These characteristics of Congeria stand in stark contrast to its opportunistic, r-selected, epigean cousins Dreissena and Mytilopsis (Puljas et al, 2014). Due to their association with a very stable habitat, subterranean species are not expected to tolerate large fluctuations in environmental parameters.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Due to their association with a very stable habitat, subterranean species are not expected to tolerate large fluctuations in environmental parameters. However, Congeria species seem to be well adapted to the variable water regimes typical of karst due to their long-term adaptive history, to the point that water level plays an important role in controlling their life cycle (Morton & Puljas, 2013;Puljas et al, 2014;Jovanović Glavaš, Jalžić & Bilandžija, 2016;OIKON & Elektroprojekt, 2016). Specifically, the annual reproductive cycle and shell growth pattern of Congeria require periods of higher water levels and lower water temperatures during winter, alternating with periods of lower water levels and higher water temperatures during summer.…”

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confidence: 99%

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Hidden from Our Sight, but Not from Our Impact: The Conservation Issues of Cave Bivalves

Bilandžija¹,

Puljas²,

Gerdol³

2021

Preprint

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Groundwater habitats in the Dinaric Karst are home to the only known cave-adapted genus of bivalve mollusks, which currently survives as three distinct species with a highly fragmented distribution. Over the past few decades, Congeria populations suffered a steep decline across their range, as a result of human activities. Here, we identify the most pressing issues concerning the current conservation status of Congeria and identify key priorities for its scientific study. The building of dams and other hydrotechnical constructions have led to a significant decrease in the water inputs that used to supply underground systems where Congeria lives, contributing to a reduction of the cave habitats feasible for bivalve settlement. This is relatively well documented in Popovo polje where, as a result of hydrotechnical interventions on Trebisnjica river, water level drop destroyed well over 99 % of Congeria kusceri population in Zira cave and caused their complete disappearance in other caves. Similar factors are likely to have also affected the sister species Congeria jalzici in the Lika region. In addition, the salinization of Neretva river, lack of proper wastewater management, intense agriculture, tourist exploitation, and additional hydrotechnical plans add to the ongoing decline of the quality of Congeria habitats. These threats are expected to least to drastic reductions in population size within the next few decades, and this situation might be further aggravated by the lack of regulations and active measures for Congeria protection, as well by the limited understanding of its biology. Future scientific studies should be aimed at better elucidating microhabitat preference, defining the range of tolerance of environmental parameters, and assessing the size and genetic viability of existing Congeria populations. However, we highlight that these efforts would most certainly require the collaboration of local authorities and the allocation of appropriate financial resources in order to be effective.

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Morphological assessment of Rheodreissena (Bivalvia: Veneroida: Dreissenidae) with an updated diagnosis of the genus, descriptions of two new species, redescription of R. lopesi, and the first account of larval brooding in New World dreissenids

Mansur¹,

Pereira²,

Bergonci

et al. 2019

Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia

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Growth and Longevity of the „Living fossil”Congeria kusceri(Bivalvia: Dreissenidae) from the Subterranean Dinaric Karst of Croatia

Cited by 7 publications

References 25 publications

Population density, habitat dynamic and aerial survival of relict cave bivalves from genus Congeria in the Dinaric karst

Population density, habitat dynamic and aerial survival of relict cave bivalves from genus Congeria in the Dinaric karst

Hidden from Our Sight, but Not from Our Impact: The Conservation Issues of Cave Bivalves

Morphological assessment of Rheodreissena (Bivalvia: Veneroida: Dreissenidae) with an updated diagnosis of the genus, descriptions of two new species, redescription of R. lopesi, and the first account of larval brooding in New World dreissenids

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