CR

Pegias fabula

Declining

Overview

Pegias is a monotypic genus of freshwater mussels in the family Unionidae. This genus contains the single species Pegias fabula, known commonly as the littlewing pearlymussel.

Pegias fabula faces severe threats from dam construction and river channelization that have fragmented its habitat and altered natural flow regimes essential for reproduction. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development has degraded water quality in remaining populations. Coal mining activities and associated sedimentation have further compromised stream conditions, while the species' extremely limited range makes it vulnerable to any localized disturbance.

Threat summary

Habitat

This freshwater mussel inhabits clean, flowing waters of medium to large rivers with stable gravel and sand substrates. It requires well-oxygenated water with specific flow conditions that support both the mussel and its fish host species for larval development.

Wetlands (inland) - Permanent rivers/streams· major

Conservation measures underway

Species managementSpecies recoverySpecies reintroduction

Other threatened species in UNIONIDAE

VU

Brazzaea anceyi

Unknown
Lampsilis higginsiiEN

Lampsilis higginsii

Unknown
EN

Triangle Pigtoe

Fusconaia lananensis

Declining
VU

Lampsilis dolabraeformis

Unknown

Threatened in United States

VU

Lepiota echinella

Unknown
VU

Paddlefish

Polyodon spathula

Unknown
VU

Copper Shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus

Declining
EN

Lyophyllum deliberatum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Pegias fabula classified as Critically Endangered?
Pegias fabula is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Pegias fabula faces severe threats from dam construction and river channelization that have fragmented its habitat and altered natural flow regimes essential for reproduction. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development has degraded water quality in remaining populations. Coal mining activities and associated sedimentation have further compromised stream conditions, while the species' extremely limited range makes it vulnerable to any localized disturbance.
Where does Pegias fabula live?
Pegias fabula occurs in United States. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Pegias fabula?
The main threats to Pegias fabula are 1.1, 2.1, 4.1, and 5.3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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