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Current Status:

When this mussel was listed in 1988, it was thought to be restricted to 11 streams in the Bayou Beouf drainage, with nearly 90 percent occurring in 4 streams. Surveys in 1991 and 1992, however, also found this species in eight streams within the Red River system, a major tributary of the Mississippi River. This new discovery extends the known range substantially. Additionally, the population in the Red River drainage appears to be larger than that in the Bayou Beouf drainage.

Achievements:

The Forest Service and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries have been involved in efforts to determine populations of the Louisiana pearlshell and to provide protection for its habitat.

Current Recovery Needs:

Although this mussel has been found to occur more widely than was believed in 1988, when it was listed, it will need continued monitoring, habitat protection, and life history research.

Section 6 Funding and Activities:

In FY 1991, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries received $2,500 to conduct a survey of the Bayou Beouf population of the Louisiana pearlshell for comparison with results of population surveys conducted prior to the listing.

Partnerships

Forest Service: This Federal agency seeks to conserve this species during its timber management operations. The Forest Service has also provided funding for several studies of this species.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries: This State agency has monitored the status of the Louisiana pearlshell and worked with the Forest Service to remove beavers from streams where pearlshells occur to prevent the construction of dams that would stop the flow of water. It is believed that this mussel cannot survive in impounded conditions.

Recovery Plan Status:

Plan approved 12/3/90.