Publication details
Refugial populations of Vertigo lilljeborgi and V. genesii (Vertiginidae): new isolated occurrences in central Europe, ecology and distribution
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2013 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | American Malacological Buletin |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Doi | http://dx.doi.org/10.4003/006.031.0211 |
| Field | Zoology |
| Keywords | habitat specialists; glacial relicts; fens; Switzerland |
| Description | During the research of fen mollusc assemblages in Switzerland carried out in August 2012, we recorded the fi rst occurrence of Vertigo lilljeborgi (Westerlund, 1871) in the Alps and several new occurrences of V. genesii (Gredler, 1856), substantially extending its Alpine distribution island towards the western part of the mountain range. Both these Euro-Asian species are mainly distributed in northern Europe and have a strong ecological affi nity to groundwater-fed fens. With respect to the rarity, refugial character and high conservation value of central European populations of these species, we review in detail their ecological preferences and present European distribution, and also comment on the possible conservation implications for their globally threatened habitats. |