CR

Pleurobema furvum

Unknown

Overview

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

Pleurobema furvum faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat degradation from dam construction and river channelization throughout its Tennessee River system range. Water quality deterioration from agricultural runoff and industrial pollution has further compromised the species' survival, while sedimentation from land-use changes has altered the substrate conditions essential for this freshwater mussel's filter-feeding lifestyle. The species' dependence on specific fish hosts for larval development makes it particularly vulnerable to declining fish populations in degraded river systems.

Threat summary

Habitat

This freshwater mussel inhabits flowing waters of the Tennessee River system, particularly in areas with stable gravel and sand substrates. It requires clean, well-oxygenated water with moderate to swift currents typical of medium to large river systems.

Other threatened species in UNIONIDAE

Lampsilis virescensCR

Lampsilis virescens

Unknown
VU

Brazzaea anceyi

Unknown
EN

Unio delphinus

Declining
EN

Potomida littoralis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Pleurobema furvum classified as Critically Endangered?
Pleurobema furvum 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. Pleurobema furvum faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat degradation from dam construction and river channelization throughout its Tennessee River system range. Water quality deterioration from agricultural runoff and industrial pollution has further compromised the species' survival, while sedimentation from land-use changes has altered the substrate conditions essential for this freshwater mussel's filter-feeding lifestyle. The species' dependence on specific fish hosts for larval development makes it particularly vulnerable to declining fish populations in degraded river systems.
Where does Pleurobema furvum live?
Pleurobema furvum occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Pleurobema furvum?
The main threats to Pleurobema furvum are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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