Publication details
Effect of water quality and nature conservation on mollusc diversity in temperate lowland ponds
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | HYDROBIOLOGIA |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| web | https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-025-05989-w |
| Doi | https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-025-05989-w |
| Keywords | Aquatic molluscs; Biodiversity hotspots; Fish farming; Littoral vegetation; Pond conservation; Species richness; Trophic state; Water transparency; Chlorophyll-a |
| Description | Lowland standing waters in Central Europe are biodiversity hotspots for aquatic molluscs but are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic influences, particularly intensive fish farming. This study investigates the effects of environmental variables, fish farming practices, and pond protection on mollusc diversity across three geographic regions in the Czech Republic. Mollusc assemblages were surveyed in 89 ponds, with environmental variables measured to assess drivers of species richness and community composition. Protected and unprotected ponds were compared to evaluate the role of conservation measures. A total of 38 mollusc species were identified, with the Odra region being the most species-rich. Species richness was positively influenced by littoral organic matter and vegetation cover, while chlorophyll-a concentration had a negative effect. Available data from the Labe region on fish farming showed water transparency as the best proxy of habitat quality, outweighing fish stock and supplementary feed data in explanatory power. Protected ponds supported significantly more diverse assemblages, including rare and sensitive taxa, emphasizing the importance of high-quality littoral zones and reduced anthropogenic disturbance. This study underscores the critical role of littoral habitat quality, trophic state of water, and legal protection in maintaining mollusc biodiversity in lowland ponds. |
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