CR

Physunio ferrugineus

Unknown

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Physunio ferrugineus faces severe population decline primarily due to water pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial discharge, which degrades water quality in its freshwater mussel habitats. Dam construction and river channelization have fragmented populations and altered natural flow regimes essential for reproduction. Sedimentation from land-use changes has buried suitable substrate areas where this species filters nutrients from the water column.

Threat summary

Habitat

This freshwater mussel inhabits clean, flowing rivers and streams with sandy or gravelly substrates where it can burrow and filter-feed. It requires well-oxygenated waters with stable flow patterns and minimal sedimentation to maintain viable populations.

Wetlands (inland) - Permanent freshwater lakes· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recovery

Other threatened species in UNIONIDAE

VU

Brazzaea anceyi

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EN

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CR

Unio tumidiformis

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Threatened in Myanmar (Burma)

CR

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VU

Mitrephora vulpina

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Olive ColobusVU

Olive Colobus

Procolobus verus

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Physunio ferrugineus classified as Critically Endangered?
Physunio ferrugineus 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. Physunio ferrugineus faces severe population decline primarily due to water pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial discharge, which degrades water quality in its freshwater mussel habitats. Dam construction and river channelization have fragmented populations and altered natural flow regimes essential for reproduction. Sedimentation from land-use changes has buried suitable substrate areas where this species filters nutrients from the water column.
Where does Physunio ferrugineus live?
Physunio ferrugineus occurs in Myanmar (Burma). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Physunio ferrugineus?
The main threats to Physunio ferrugineus are 2.1, 2.4, 6.1, and 9.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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