FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – The US Fish and Wildlife Service is listing the long, round walnut freshwater mussels, found in several eastern states, including Kentucky, as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of extinction (ESA).
The Service is also designating critical habitat and adapting ESA protections to protect these endangered species in all or a significant portion of their range in rivers and streams of the eastern United States.
“Endangered species recovery is complex and difficult work, and that’s why we’re working in collaboration with biologists from state wildlife agencies and other experts to better understand these two freshwater mussels from broad scope,” said Acting Regional Director Mike Oetker. “ESA protections will benefit these species by raising awareness, inspiring conservation partnerships and making funds available for their recovery.”
The longsolid is a medium-sized mussel up to five inches long that can live up to 50 years. It is currently in ten states: Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. There are currently 60 known mussel populations, with 48 of them in a very limited area with no sign of young mussels growing into adults. These populations have very low resistance. This is down from an all-time high of 160 inhabitants. The mussel is no longer found in Georgia and Illinois.
The round hickorynut is a small to medium-sized mussel, up to three inches long and up to 15 years old, and is found in nine states: Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and West Virginia . . Out of a historic high of 301 known populations, only 69 are currently known, and 49 of those are in a very limited area with no sign of young mussels growing into adults. These populations have very low resistance. The mussel is no longer found in Georgia, Illinois or New York.
The biggest threats to mussels are habitat degradation and loss, genetic isolation, and threats from invasive and non-native species. The Service worked closely with species and habitat experts from various agencies, universities, and other researchers to assess the status of these mussels. The findings were compiled into a species status assessment that went through a rigorous peer review process.
Native mussels are indicators of the broader health of streams. In addition, they can keep the water clean by filtering their food from the water, and with it, sediment and other pollutants.