The first record of the North American freshwater limpet Ferrissia californica (Mollusca, Gastropoda) in Morocco

Abstract

Invasive species are a major threat to global biodiversity. One of the most effective invaders among freshwater snails is the North American ancyline gastropod Ferrissia californica (= fragilis). A new population of this species has been found in Lake Zerrouka (Northern Morocco), a Protected Area, which is also a site of ecological and biological interest (known as SIBE). Thus, this record expands the known distribution range of this invasive species in the Mediterranean area. Despite the fact it is located in only one out of more than 150 localities sampled by us, ongoing investigations could soon reveal more finds of the species in Morocco. Lake Zerrouka is known for recently described endemic snail species, i.e. Ifrania zerroukansis and Gyraulus marocana. Therefore, the monitoring of the presence and expansion of F. californica within invaded areas, as well as studies improving the knowledge on its biology and ecology is an urgent need.