University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Baseline monitoring and molecular characterization of the state endangered Enigmatic Cavesnail, Fontigens antroecetes (Hubrict 1940)

Taylor, Steven J.; Weck, Robert; Douglas, Marlis R.; Tiemann, Jeremy; Phillips, Christopher A.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/43366

Description

Title
Baseline monitoring and molecular characterization of the state endangered Enigmatic Cavesnail, Fontigens antroecetes (Hubrict 1940)
Author(s)
  • Taylor, Steven J.
  • Weck, Robert
  • Douglas, Marlis R.
  • Tiemann, Jeremy
  • Phillips, Christopher A.
Issue Date
2013-03-25
Keyword(s)
  • Enigmatic Cavesnail
  • Fontigens antroecetes
  • Gastropoda
  • Mesogastropoda
  • Hydrobiidae
  • cave
  • karst
  • groundwater
  • St. Clair County
  • Illinois
  • IDNR Endangered Species Protection Board
Abstract
Like most endangered cave invertebrates, the first thing that we learn in attempting to recover the species is that we know virtually nothing about it. This is the case for Fontigens antroecetes–currently we have only information on the distribution and morphology of the species. Population size, microhabitat preferences, reproductive rates, or connectivity among populations (likelihood of gene exchange)are unknown. With continuing rapid growth in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area, which extends deep into Monroe and St. Clair counties, Illinois, there are ever increasing threats to the shallow groundwater in Illinois’ sinkhole plain. High levels of fecal coliforms and other contaminants have already been well documented in Illinois caves (Taylor et al. 2000c). In addition, the population of the Illinois Cave Amphipod (Gammarus acherondytes, an aquatic cave species listed as Endangered at the federal level) in Stemler Cave is thought to have been extirpated. As this is the sole Illinois locality for the Enigmatic Cavesnail, there is reason for grave concern for the long term persistence of this snail population. Given the above facts, we felt it was important to obtain baseline data on the Illinois population of F. antroecetes, including abundance, evaluation of microhabitat preferences, and characterization of genetic diversity.
Publisher
Illinois Natural History Survey
Series/Report Name or Number
Technical Report INHS 2013 (14)
Type of Resource
text
Language
en
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/43366
Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)
IDNR Endangered Species Protection Board
Copyright and License Information
This document is a product of the Illinois Natural History Survey, and has been selected and made available by the Illinois Natural History Survey and the University Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. It is intended solely for noncommercial research and educational use, and proper attribution is requested.

Owning Collections

Technical Reports - Illinois Natural History Survey PRIMARY
Reports produced by INHS staff, usually as deliverables for assessment projects funded by federal or state agencies or non-governmental organizations.