Research Document 2018/040
Information in support of the identification of critical habitat for the Rocky Mountain Ridged Mussel (Gonidea angulata)
By Author: Roxanne Snook
Abstract
Rocky Mountain Ridged Mussel ( Gonidea angulata , Lea 1839) is listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) as a species of Special Concern but was re-assessed as Endangered in 2010 by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). In anticipation of Rocky Mountain Ridged Mussel to be listed as an Endangered species under SARA, this report provides information required to support the identification of critical habitat. Foreshore inventory and mapping data were used in Okanagan Lake for modelling habitat suitability. There are two distinct types of habitat utilized by G. angulata: lacustrine and riverine. Lacustrine habitat for G. angulata requires a site exposure of 10–20 km and a bench or low (0–20%) slope. River habitats require stable banks with low hydraulic variability (i.e., channelized sections). Both habitats require sufficient food, suitable water quality, and particular substrate sizes, depending on the energy of the site. As a freshwater mussel in the family Unionidae, this species requires a host fish as part of its development; therefore host fish must also be available. Recommended critical habitat of G. angulata is geographically delineated using the Bounding Box approach, including features and attributes of importance.
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