Minimizing dams impacts on biodiversity by way of translocations: the case of freshwater mussels

The role of connectivity in conservation planning for species with obligatory interactions: Prospects for future climate scenarios

“…Nevertheless, the removal of such a high number of artificial barriers may not be feasible, even because most of them are major infrastructures more than 2 m height. Furthermore, human efforts to adapt to climate change may involve increasing river regulation to meet additional human demands for flood control, electrical power generation, irrigation, and water storage (Hermoso, 2017; Jones et al., 2016; Pires et al., 2021; Watson et al., 2012; Zarfl et al., 2019). Indeed, there is no evidence of a slowdown in the construction of new barrier infrastructures, particularly in countries with transitional economies (Zarfl et al., 2015).…”

“…For species with limited dispersal ability, escaping climate change is even more challenging (Archambault et al., 2018; Årevall et al., 2018; Urban et al., 2013). These natural and intrinsic constraints on the movement of freshwater organisms are exacerbated by artificial barriers (e.g., dams, weirs), which often trap individuals in sub‐optimal locations (Bellard et al., 2012; Crook et al., 2015; Gibson‐Reinemer et al., 2017; Herrera‐R et al., 2020; Pecl et al., 2017; Pires et al., 2021; Radinger et al., 2017, 2018; Reside et al., 2018; Sousa et al., 2020; Urban, 2015; Zarfl et al., 2019).…”

“…These natural and intrinsic constraints on the movement of freshwater organisms are exacerbated by artificial barriers (e.g., dams, weirs), which often trap individuals in sub-optimal locations (Bellard et al, 2012;Crook et al, 2015;Gibson-Reinemer et al, 2017;Herrera-R et al, 2020;Pecl et al, 2017;Pires et al, 2021;Radinger et al, 2017Radinger et al, , 2018Reside et al, 2018;Sousa et al, 2020;Urban, 2015;Zarfl et al, 2019).…”

“…Several approaches have been proposed, namely the prioritization of current and future species distributions (Bush et al., 2014), climate refugia (Keppel et al., 2015), the identification of climate change corridors (Alagador et al., 2016), or a sequential scheduling of conservation areas (Alagador et al., 2014). In addition, climate change adaptation measures may also include the translocation of individuals to more suitable habitats, which often shows positive outcomes, especially when introductions are properly planned (Berger‐Tal et al., 2011; Pires et al., 2021; Thomas, 2011; Twardek et al., 2023).…”

Translocation as an ultimate conservation measure for the long-term survival of a critically endangered freshwater mussel

“…According to the IUCN guidelines (IUCN/SSC 2013), the translocation of individuals for conservation purposes is "the intentional movement and release of a living organism where the primary objective is a conservation benefit." As a concept, translocation seems a relatively straightforward task to carry out but, in fact, it needs a rigorous planning of all the steps involved in the process, including appropriate collection, handling and transport methods, assessment of habitat stability and suitable environmental and biological conditions in the recipient site, among others (Cope et al, 2003;Dunn et al, 2000;Luzier & Miller 2009;Moorkens 2017;Pires et al, 2020). In addition, any translocation plan should include a careful evaluation of the tradeoffs between conservation benefits and the costs and risks for the target species, so as for other species present in the recipient community (Cope & Waller, 1995;IUCN/SSC, 2013;Tsakiris et al, 2017;Brian et al, 2021).…”