DO Van Tu, Vietnam

Project title: The biodiversity of freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionoida) of Vietnam

Abstract: 

Freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionoida) have high species diversity and some endemic species in Vietnam. This fauna is considered one of the most threatened freshwater mollusc faunas. However, studies on biodiversity and taxonomy this group are very scarce in Vietnam. Up to 13 threatened species listed in IUCN Red List (2012) out of 16 threatened freshwater mollusc species listed for the Indo-Burma region have been recorded in Northeast Vietnam. In addition, there were also a lot of species ranking as Data Deficient in IUCN Red List because of taxonomy problems. This study aims to investigate freshwater mussels in Vietnam in order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of biodiversity, taxonomy of this group. The results of this study will be a scientific basis to propose conservation measures for local and national governments. They will also be used for assessing conservation status of freshwater mussels in upcoming compilation of IUCN Red List.aims to investigate freshwater mussels in Vietnam in order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of biodiversity, taxonomy and phylogeny of this group. The results of this study will be a scientific basis to propose conservation measures for local and national governments. They will also be used for assessing conservation status of freshwater mussels in upcoming compilation of IUCN Red List.

Training location: Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences