Abstract
We analyzed stream inventories, phylogeographic studies, community and population estimates, life history and reproductive biology research, and suitable habitat investigations conducted from 1997-2008, as well as the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission mussel database, to update the conservation status for all native freshwater unionoid bivalves thought to occur in Arkansas. Prior to this study, Harris et al. (1997) reviewed the distribution and status of 75 freshwater mussels considered native to Arkansas and ranked 22 species as endangered, threatened or special concern. We now recognize 85 mussel taxa in Arkansas; however, some of those have yet to be described or their nomenclature remains in a state of flux. The previous inclusion of Fusconaia subrotunda (I. Lea 1831) and Obovaria subrotunda (Rafinesque 1820) in the Arkansas native mussel fauna was based on misidentifications. Within the Arkansas mussel fauna, 19 species (22%) are now considered Endangered, 5 species (6%) are ranked as Threatened, 20 species (24%) are of Special Concern, and unfortunately, 1 species has probably been extirpated.
Recommended Citation
Harris, John L.; Posey, William R. II; Davidson, C. L.; Farris, Jerry L.; Oetker, S. R.; Stoeckel, J. N.; Crump, B. G.; Barnett, M. S.; Martin, H. C.; Seagraves, J. H.; Matthews, M. W.; Winterringer, R.; Osborne, C.; Christian, Alan D.; and Wentz, N. J.
(2009)
"Unionoida (Mollusca: Margaritiferidae, Unionidae) in Arkansas, Third Status Review,"
Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science: Vol. 63, Article 10.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol63/iss1/10
