The inclusion of freshwater mussels in the ESA will help boost conservation initiatives for both existing and new efforts aimed at protecting these species.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has officially listed seven freshwater mussels found in Central Texas as endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
Additionally, critical habitat spanning 1,577 river miles has been designated for these species in the Colorado, Guadalupe, Brazos, and Trinity river basins. These mussels include the Guadalupe fatmucket, Texas fatmucket, Guadalupe orb, Texas pimpleback, Balcones spike, and false spike, all of which are now classified as endangered. The Texas fawnsfoot, on the other hand, has been listed as threatened. Once thriving in the region, these Central Texas mussel species have experienced a decline in population due to factors such as diminished water quality and habitat destruction.
“These unique freshwater mussels are found nowhere else in the world but in the rivers and streams of Central Texas,” said Amy Lueders, the Service’s Southwest Regional Director. “Saving these mussels isn’t just about preserving the biodiversity of the region, it also helps protect the waterways that people rely on for water and recreation. We are committed to working with local communities to ensure they have the tools they need to protect and recover these imperiled species.”
The inclusion of freshwater mussels in the ESA will help boost conservation initiatives for both existing and new efforts aimed at protecting these species. The endangered Texas fawnsfoot will benefit from a specific 4(d) rule designed to ensure its conservation.
“Creative collaboration with Central Texas river authorities has led to some ground breaking conservation actions making it possible to list the Texas fawnsfoot as threatened,” Lueders said. “That's important because it opens the door to more flexibility for solutions that reduce the threats to these mussels while boosting water quality in the watershed.”
The Service acknowledges that the ongoing conservation of the Central Texas mussels relies on the continued support of diverse partners. Collaboration with state agencies, academia, federal entities, river authorities, landowners, and others has been and will continue to be essential for the conservation efforts of these mussels.
The final listing determinations, 4(d) rule, and critical habitat designations will be published in the Federal Register on June 4 and will take effect 30 days after publication.
The Endangered Species Act of 1973 is a cornerstone of endangered species legislation and is regarded as one of the most crucial conservation laws globally. It ensures ecosystem protection, conserves endangered and threatened species, and enforces all related wildlife preservation treaties. The ESA has been remarkably successful, credited with preventing the extinction of 99% of listed species. For more information, visit the Service’s Endangered Species Act 50th Anniversary website.
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