Non-marine molluscs, despite being significantly affected by (often silent) extinctions, remain a group of organisms still poorly understood from a taxonomic, biogeographic, and conservation perspective. This knowledge gap is particularly critical considering that, in Europe, the diversity of non-marine molluscs is strongly concentrated in the southern sector, particularly in the Mediterranean basin, where Italy ranks third in terms of the number of species.
To address this issue, several research activities have been initiated:
- Integrated approaches to the taxonomic study and monitoring of Italian terrestrial and freshwater malacofauna (alpha diversity, morphological analyses, molecular phylogenetics, and phylogeography). Particular attention will be dedicated to the systematic revision of critical groups of gastropods (e.g., the hygromiid genus Monacha) and to species of conservation concern, including those listed in the Habitats Directive (such as the bivalves Unio elongatulus/Unio mancus).
- Compilation of checklists of non-marine molluscs, with particular attention to contexts of significant biogeographic value such as islands and mountain ranges, or structures potentially capable of hosting and spreading alien species. This includes, for example, taxonomic and biogeographic investigations of alien terrestrial and freshwater species present in Italian botanical gardens (e.g., the XenoDOMuS project - XenoDiversity in Italian Botanical Gardens and Scientific Museums).
- Multi-taxonomic ecological studies to assess the interspecific relationships between terrestrial molluscs and other components of biodiversity, in relation to environmental variables and the presence of invasive alien plant species. The aim is to better understand the role of molluscs as ecological indicators within trophic networks and complex habitats.
- Design and support for citizen science activities for biodiversity monitoring, with the aim of actively involving citizens in data collection and the study of less charismatic groups, especially in urban contexts.
Researchers