In the Search of the Lost Pearl: Rediscovery of Southern Populations of Margaritifera margaritifera (L.) in Russia as a Model of Conservation Research

The monograph focuses on the European freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera, an endangered bivalve species. It "rediscovers" populations in the Russian section of the Baltic Sea basin, analyzes their extinctions, impacts, and conservation measures, and reveals distribution patterns. The "rediscovery" process is applied to other endangered species in Northwest Russia, discussing conservation studies and global change. The book appeals to specialists, biogerontology, and environmental sciences, providing data on distribution and global processes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 246 pages
Publication date: 03 March 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

The monograph delves into the captivating world of the European freshwater pearl mussel, Margaritifera margaritifera, a critically endangered bivalve species. While its populations in the Russian section of the Baltic Sea basin had been documented in the past by pearl fishers, much of its ecological knowledge remained unexplored. This remarkable "rediscovery" process involved a comprehensive search for previously unknown populations, shedding light on the tragic consequences of population extinctions, assessing the detrimental impacts, developing conservation strategies, and uncovering patterns in distribution.

In addition to the pearl mussel, the "rediscovery" procedure was applied to other endangered animal species found in Northwest Russia. These species include the thick-shelled mussel, Unio crassus; the curlew, Numenius arquata; the black-tailed godwit, Limosa limosa; the Northern Lapwing, Vanellus vanellus; the European mink, Mustela lutreola; the pond bat, Myotis dasycneme; the Atlantic sturgeon, Acipenser sturio; and the broad-clawed crayfish, Astacus astacus. The book also discusses the methods and principles of conservation studies, providing valuable insights into the field.

The obtained data are analyzed in the context of the current global change of the biosphere, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts. This work will appeal to specialists involved in conservation studies, activities such as red lists, river protection, and the conservation of endangered species. Moreover, a significant portion of the book holds interest for biogerontology, challenging the notion of "negligible senescence" and presenting new insights into the distribution of certain animals in Russia.

In terms of zoology and biogeography, the data on the distribution of these animals in Russia offers valuable insights that are not yet sufficiently represented in international editions. The book can be used as supplemental reading for courses in biological invasions, ecology, conservation, and biodiversity. Furthermore, it contains valuable information for researchers, policymakers, and conservationists seeking to protect and preserve these remarkable species and their habitats.

Weight: 403g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030662578
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021