Our project aims to develop a Conservation Action Plan for the freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionida) of Sumatra. This will be achieved by conducting (1) field surveys across Sumatra to generate data on mussel diversity, distribution and ecology; (2) Conservation Assessments of the freshwater mussel species present in Sumatra; and (3) an Assessing-to-Plan (A2P) workshop to identify the most important actions needed for their conservation. By working in a team of international freshwater mussel experts, local researchers, students and NGOs, and integrating local stakeholders in our work, we will additionally build local capacity in freshwater mussel science and conservation, and raise awareness on the importance of protecting Sumatra’s unique freshwater biodiversity.

Fieldwork takes place over three field campaigns and >100 sites across all major Sumatran river basins. At each site, we collect environmental data and engage with local communities to elicit Local Ecological Knowledge on mussels and threats. For each population, we collect tissue snips and voucher specimens, which are preserved and deposited at the Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), Medan. Species are identified through integrative morphological and molecular analysis. Species’ habitat requirements and threats are assessed based on species presence/absence data and environmental data. Extinction risk of species is assessed using IUCN criteria.

Based on the collected data, other available data and Conservation Assessments, the Conservation Action Plan will be co-developed in a 3-day workshop with ~20 stakeholders from government, NGOs, universities and other groups from across Sumatra. The Plan will outline the most important actions needed for the conservation of the freshwater mussels of Sumatra over the next 5-10 years.