Glenelg freshwater mussel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Glenelg freshwater mussel |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Hyridella
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| Species: |
glenelgensis
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The Glenelg freshwater mussel (scientific name: Hyridella glenelgensis) is a special type of freshwater mussel. It is an aquatic bivalve mollusc, which means it lives in water, has two shells, and belongs to a group of soft-bodied animals like snails and slugs. This mussel is part of the family called Unionidae, also known as river mussels.
This unique mussel can only be found in the Glenelg River. This river is located near the border between South Australia and Victoria in south-eastern Australia. The Glenelg freshwater mussel used to be very common. However, when experts checked their numbers in 2014, there were only about 1,000 left. By 2020, only a few small groups of these mussels remained. This makes them a critically endangered species, meaning they are at a very high risk of disappearing forever.
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What is the Glenelg Freshwater Mussel?
The Glenelg freshwater mussel is a type of mollusc. Molluscs are a large group of animals that usually have soft bodies. Many, like mussels, have hard shells to protect themselves. Mussels are also bivalves, which means their shell is made of two parts that can open and close.
Where Do These Mussels Live?
These mussels live in freshwater, specifically in rivers. The Glenelg freshwater mussel is endemic to the Glenelg River. This means it is found nowhere else in the world. The Glenelg River flows through parts of Victoria and South Australia. Mussels usually live on the riverbed, often buried in the sand or gravel.
Why is the Glenelg Mussel in Trouble?
The population of the Glenelg freshwater mussel has dropped a lot. This decline is due to several serious problems affecting their river home.
Sediment Pollution in the River
One major problem is sediment run-off. This happens when soil and dirt wash into the river from nearby land. This land has often been damaged by things like livestock (farm animals) grazing too much. When too much sediment enters the river, it can cover the riverbed where the mussels live. This makes it hard for them to breathe, feed, and reproduce. It also harms the water quality.
Impact of Bushfires
The huge bushfires during the 2019-2020 summer also caused more damage. Bushfires burn away plants that hold soil in place. After a fire, when it rains, even more ash and soil can wash into the river. This makes the sediment problem even worse for the mussels.
What is Being Done to Help?
People are working to protect the Glenelg freshwater mussel and its habitat. In October 2020, the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority received money from the federal government. They got $180,000 to help restore the mussel's home.
Restoring the Mussel's Habitat
Restoring the habitat means making the river a healthy place for the mussels again. This can involve:
- Planting trees and plants along the riverbanks to stop soil from washing in.
- Improving farming practices to reduce land degradation.
- Removing excess sediment from the river.
- Monitoring the mussel populations to see if their numbers are recovering.
These efforts are very important to save the Glenelg freshwater mussel from extinction.
