The effects of endangered freshwater pearl mussels on channel morphology and flow in a low-gradient sandy river

Conservation of ecosystem engineers, which modulates the surrounding habitat by causing physical state changes in biotic or abiotic materials, is important for maintaining functional integrity ecosystems. This study examined effects endangered freshwater pearl mussels (Margaritifera laevis and M. togakushiensis) on channel morphology flow a low-gradient sandy river. For this, we performed field removal experiment using three treatments twelve 10-m reaches. Mussel abundance biomass, variables were measured before, immediately after, two months to one year after treatments. resulted degradation with 60% increase depth, 30% decrease current velocity, 50% reduction width-to-depth ratio treatments, whereas minimal reaches mussels. The results indicated that act as an engineer affecting rivers. conservation mussel populations key preserving their far-reaching benefits including habitats other various organisms.