Quadrula fragosa
CR

Quadrula fragosa

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Quadrula fragosa faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat degradation from dam construction and river channelization throughout its range in the Arkansas River system. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development has significantly reduced water quality in its remaining habitats. The species is also threatened by invasive zebra mussels that compete for resources and alter benthic communities. Climate change-induced alterations to river flow patterns further stress remaining populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

Quadrula fragosa inhabits shallow, flowing waters of medium to large rivers with stable gravel and sand substrates. The species requires well-oxygenated water and is typically found in areas with moderate current velocity in the Arkansas River drainage system.

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 Quadrula fragosa classified as Critically Endangered?
Quadrula fragosa 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. Quadrula fragosa faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat degradation from dam construction and river channelization throughout its range in the Arkansas River system. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development has significantly reduced water quality in its remaining habitats. The species is also threatened by invasive zebra mussels that compete for resources and alter benthic communities. Climate change-induced alterations to river flow patterns further stress remaining populations.
Where does Quadrula fragosa live?
Quadrula fragosa 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 Quadrula fragosa?
The main threats to Quadrula fragosa 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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