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Presented at the NABS Annual meeting, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 2002
in Unionid Ecology
RESULTS OF A MUSSEL (BIVALVE:UNIONIDAE) SURVEY IN A GEORGIA SWAMP AND METHODS FOR THEIR RELOCATION.
J.M. Battle, S.W. Golladay, R. Bambarger, M. Kearns, and P. Gagnon. J. W. Jones Ecological Research Center at Ichauway, Rt 2 Box 2324, Newton, Georgia 31770
Southwest Georgia has among the richest mussel assemblages in the world. The Chickasawhatchee Swamp, the second largest swamp in Georgia, has recently been placed into permanent conservation status (+15,000 acres) providing an opportunity for the management of mussels. In 2001, 18 locations within the Swamp were surveyed for mussels by grubbing and visually searching. Nine species were found with one being very rare (Alasmidonta triangulata) and another federally endangered (Lampsilis subangulata). Mussel densities were much lower than those found in nearby drainages, which may be the result of drought conditions occurring seasonally since 1998. During the spring of 2002, we plan to relocate three mussel species (Elliptio complanata, E. crassidens, Villosa vibex) that serve as surrogates for endangered species. Their survivorship will be observed for two years; in addition, water quality and hydrology will be monitored. We hope that with the development of relocation methods and identification of suitable habitat, populations of endangered species can eventually be established within the Swamp.
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