Updated distribution for two freshwater mussel species of conservation concern in Oklahoma

Southeastern Naturalist
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
By: , and 

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Abstract

Qualitative and quantitative sampling efforts in the Verdigris River, OK (upstream of Lake Oologah), yielded new distributional records of 2 freshwater mussel species of conservation need: Cyprogenia aberti (Western Fanshell) and Ptychobranchus occidentalis (Ouachita Kidneyshell). The Ouachita Kidneyshell has not been documented alive during a scientific survey in the Oklahoma portion of the Verdigris River in nearly 100 years. Our observations extend the known distribution for the Western Fanshell further downstream into Oklahoma by ∼36 river km. These findings indicate an expansion in the known range and potential improvement in the populations of 2 imperiled mussel species, contrary to the prevailing global trend of mussel population decline.

Study Area

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Updated distribution for two freshwater mussel species of conservation concern in Oklahoma
Series title Southeastern Naturalist
DOI 10.1656/058.023.0314
Volume 23
Issue 3
Year Published 2024
Language English
Publisher BioOne
Contributing office(s) Coop Res Unit Atlanta
Description 6 p.
First page N44
Last page N49
Country United States
State Oklahoma
Other Geospatial Verdigris River
Additional publication details