Abstract:

Abstract Here, we present an integrative review of the non-native Sinanodonta spp. from Kazakhstan based on molecular and morphological data. Sinanodonta woodiana (Lea, 1834) inhabits the Syr Darya River, while two species, S. woodiana and S. lauta (Martens, 1877), have established viable populations in the Ili River basin, a tributary of the Balkhash Lake. The latter species was probably introduced in 1961-1971 from the Sungari River, a Chinese tributary of the Amur River. A distribution map of the two Sinanodonta species spreading in Middle Asia is provided. In Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, these species were recorded from endorheic drainages limiting their native expansion throughout the region, although further human-mediated dispersal events are expected. There are no reliable records of these alien freshwater mussels from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Our study highlight that Sinanodonta lauta represents one more invasive lineage of the Asian pond mussels and that this East Asian species can successfully colonize plain water bodies of inland desert areas such as Middle Asia. References Abrosov, V. N. (1973) Lake Balkhash. Leningrad, Nauka, 180 pp. [In Russian]

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