Popenaias popeii
CR

Popenaias popeii

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Popenaias popeii faces severe threats from dam construction and water diversions that have dramatically altered flow regimes in the Rio Grande system. Agricultural runoff and urban pollution have degraded water quality, while invasive zebra mussels compete for resources and alter ecosystem dynamics. Climate change-induced drought conditions have further reduced suitable habitat availability in this already water-stressed region.

Threat summary

Habitat

This freshwater mussel inhabits flowing waters of the Rio Grande system in Texas and northeastern Mexico, typically found in sandy or gravelly substrates of medium to large rivers. It requires clean, well-oxygenated water with stable flow patterns and specific fish hosts for larval development.

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

Frequently asked questions

Why is Popenaias popeii classified as Critically Endangered?
Popenaias popeii 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. Popenaias popeii faces severe threats from dam construction and water diversions that have dramatically altered flow regimes in the Rio Grande system. Agricultural runoff and urban pollution have degraded water quality, while invasive zebra mussels compete for resources and alter ecosystem dynamics. Climate change-induced drought conditions have further reduced suitable habitat availability in this already water-stressed region.
Where does Popenaias popeii live?
Popenaias popeii 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 Popenaias popeii?
The main threats to Popenaias popeii 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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