CR

Recovery Pearly Mussel

Elliptio nigella

Declining

Overview

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

Elliptio nigella faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat degradation from agricultural runoff and urban development in its limited river systems. Dam construction has fragmented populations and altered natural flow regimes essential for reproduction. Water quality deterioration from sedimentation and chemical pollutants has further compromised the species' survival in its already restricted range.

Threat summary

Habitat

Elliptio nigella inhabits clean, flowing freshwater streams and small rivers with sandy or gravelly substrates. The species requires well-oxygenated waters with stable flow patterns and minimal sedimentation for successful reproduction and juvenile development.

Wetlands (inland)· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent rivers/streams· majorRocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recovery

Other threatened species in UNIONIDAE

VU

Brazzaea anceyi

Unknown
Lampsilis higginsiiEN

Lampsilis higginsii

Unknown
EN

Triangle Pigtoe

Fusconaia lananensis

Declining
Amblema neisleriiCR

Amblema neislerii

Unknown

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 Recovery Pearly Mussel classified as Critically Endangered?
Recovery Pearly Mussel 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. Elliptio nigella faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat degradation from agricultural runoff and urban development in its limited river systems. Dam construction has fragmented populations and altered natural flow regimes essential for reproduction. Water quality deterioration from sedimentation and chemical pollutants has further compromised the species' survival in its already restricted range.
Where does Recovery Pearly Mussel live?
Recovery Pearly Mussel 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 Recovery Pearly Mussel?
The main threats to Recovery Pearly Mussel 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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