Conservation genetics of two critically imperiled freshwater mussels

Abstract

North America is a hotspot of freshwater mussel diversity. However, over the last century many anthropogenic stressors have led to substantial declines of freshwater mussels of the families Unionidae and Margaritiferidae in North America. Conserving the remaining mussel fauna is a priority, as they play an integral role in freshwater ecosystems. Genetic information, particularly genomic technologies, can provide crucial information and guide conservation strategies. In chapter 1, I use genomic data to explore the genetic diversity and demographic history of a federally endangered freshwater mussel species, Arcidens wheeleri (Unionidae: Anodontini). In chapter 2, I generated population genomic data from Alasmidonta varicosa, an imperiled freshwater mussel, from across its range and from captively reared cohorts. No population genetic study has been conducted on either, and these two chapters can both be used to inform and improve conservation efforts for freshwater mussels.