An Analysis of Freshwater Mussels (Unionidae) Along Luxapalila Creek, Mississippi.
Abstract
In 1997 divers and waders were used to search for freshwater mussels in Luxapalila Creek between Steens, MS, and Waterworks Road bridge (River Mile 6.2). The purpose was to obtain information that could be used to assess the effectiveness of reasonable and prudent measures and their terms and conditions to reduce impacts to mussels caused by downstream channelization. In addition, results would be used to determine the likelihood of future losses (or incidental take) of federally listed mussel species in the project area. Luxapalila Creek is within the range of the following endemic mussels: Pleurobema perovatum (ovate clubshell mussel) and Plearobema decisum (southern clubshell mussel), listed as endangered; and Medionidus acutissimus (Alabama moccasinshell mussel) and Lampsilis perovalis (orange-nacre mucket mussel), listed as threatened Fifteen species of bivalves, including Corbicula fluminea (Asian clam), were collected. Two federally listed endemic species were found: live specimens of L. perovalis and shells of P. decisum. The most abundant living species were Quadrula asperata (Alabama orb) and Lampsilis straminea claiborensis (southern fatmucket), which comprised 44.3 and 19.3 percent of the fauna. The third most abundant species, Lampsilis ornata (southern pockethook), comprised slightly more than 10 percent of the collection, and the remaining 12 species (including C. fluminea) each comprised less than 6 percent of the fauna. The species list for this creek is now 25. When these results were compared with findings from a study conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1992, it was determined that there have been few recent changes in the mussel community.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA357631
Entities
People
- Andrew C. Miller