Gilbert Ndatimana
Lake Mweru is a vulnerable freshwater ecoregion with poor taxonomic exploration. It shelters several endemic species including species of fish, frogs, and macroinvertebrates. Despite some studies on fish, there is no study aimed specifically at assessing the macroinvertebrate assemblages of this lake. A 2008 biological assessment identified nine endemic molluscan species, all classified as threatened on the IUCN Red List (Thieme et al., 2005). For instance, Bellamya mweruensis and Bellamya pagodiformis are critically endangered with assumed decreasing population trend, whereas Cleopatra mweruensis, Melanoides crawshayi, and Bellamya crawshayi are listed as endangered species. Meanwhile, besides being classified as 'Vulnerable' and 'Least Concern,' the population trends of Melanoides mweruensis and Cleopatra johnstoni are not known, respectively. A similar situation applies to the bivalve species Prisodontopsis aviculaeformis and Mweruella mweruensis, which are classified as endangered and vulnerable, respectively. In addition, Lake Mweru is facing overexploitation, encroachment, and sedimentation, which have likely worsened the condition of these species. The last update on this lake has predicted the lake to dry out approximately within the next 25 to 50 years (IUCN, 2010). This implies that some species may have already gone extinct unnoticed, and further losses are likely if no action is taken.
For these reasons, we aimed at updating the data from at least 17 years ago by investigating the mollusc assemblages in the lake, with a particular focus on the population status of endemic species. Occurrence of species, water quality and habitat status will help informing potential conservation action toward ecosystem integrity of this lake. Further, we aim to raise awareness of the lake and its endangered species through a campaign involving fishermen and primary school students neighbouring the Lake Mweru. The campaign will highlight macroinvertebrates, particularly molluscs, and their role in maintaining the lake’s ecological health. We will also talk about threats to the habitats (lake), and how it drives to endangerment and extinction of species, using vivid examples of molluscs on site. The findings of this project are expected to be shared with the IUCN Program, research communities (through peer-reviewed journals), conferences, and other stakeholders to support the proposed conservation actions.