Pleurobema georgianum
CR

Pleurobema georgianum

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_pigtoe

Overview

The southern pigtoe is a species of freshwater mussel, an aquatic bivalve mollusk in the family Unionidae, the river mussels.

The Southern Pigtoe faces severe threats from dam construction and river channelization that have fragmented its habitat and altered natural flow regimes essential for reproduction. Water quality degradation from agricultural runoff, urban development, and industrial pollution has further compromised the species' survival. Sedimentation from land-use changes buries the substrate where these mussels filter-feed and reproduce, while invasive zebra mussels compete for resources and attach to native shells.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Southern Pigtoe inhabits flowing waters of medium to large rivers with stable gravel, sand, and mud substrates. This freshwater mussel requires clean, well-oxygenated water with moderate to swift currents in the southeastern United States river systems.

FRESHWATER· major

Other threatened species in UNIONIDAE

VU

Brazzaea anceyi

Unknown
Lampsilis higginsiiEN

Lampsilis higginsii

Unknown
CR

Recovery Pearly Mussel

Elliptio nigella

Declining
EN

Triangle Pigtoe

Fusconaia lananensis

Declining

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 Pleurobema georgianum classified as Critically Endangered?
Pleurobema georgianum 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. The Southern Pigtoe faces severe threats from dam construction and river channelization that have fragmented its habitat and altered natural flow regimes essential for reproduction. Water quality degradation from agricultural runoff, urban development, and industrial pollution has further compromised the species' survival. Sedimentation from land-use changes buries the substrate where these mussels filter-feed and reproduce, while invasive zebra mussels compete for resources and attach to native shells.
Where does Pleurobema georgianum live?
Pleurobema georgianum 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 Pleurobema georgianum?
The main threats to Pleurobema georgianum 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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