Freshwater Mussels of Central America

This book describes a fauna of global conservation concern and provides a framework for researchers to begin to test hypotheses regarding the evolution of freshwater mussels in Central America. Placing the Central American fauna in context with that of North and South America, the authors fill a gap in our knowledge of this endangered and largely endemic fauna. This book: Provides a full color treatment of all 81 native and introduced freshwater mussel species found from the Rio Grande in Texas, USA, and Mexico to Colombia, South America Includes 110 distribution maps of all species Presents complete synonymies in every systematic species account Offers historical information and bios of previous workers in the field Cites complete literature and references on freshwater mussels in the region Through photographs, distribution maps, and a complete list of species described and reported from Central America, Freshwater Mussels of Central America will inspire researchers to begin filling in the gaps regarding the systematics and ecology of freshwater mussels in Central America. It will be an essential source for conservationists, aquatic biologists, and those interested in the natural history of temperate and tropical freshwater ecosystems.