Extinction Risk of Western North American Freshwater Mussels: Anodonta Nuttalliana, the Anodonta Oregonensis/Kennerlyi Clade, Gonidea Angulata, and Margaritifera Falcata

Abstract

The recent declines in eastern North American species of freshwater mussels have been well documented, but the status of western species has been comparatively understudied. However, various local and regional studies and anecdotal observations indicate that western mussels are also declining, suggesting the need for range-wide assessments of extinction risk and changes in freshwater mussel distributions. Using historic (pre-1990) and recent (1990-2015) occurrence data from across western states and incorporating observations of recent population dynamics, we assessed the extinction risk of western freshwater mussels according to the categories and criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Percent change in occupied watersheds (by area) between historic and recent time periods was evaluated against IUCN-established thresholds. Additionally, we considered whether evidence of declines was also supported by reported observations of changes in abundance or occurrence in studied water bodies, watersheds, or regions. We also assessed the proportion of watersheds that have reduced species richness as compared with historic levels. We evaluated four western freshwater mussel taxonomic entities: three currently recognized species and one clade consisting of two currently recognized species. Of the four entities assessed, two are Vulnerable (Anodonta nuttalliana and Gonidea angulata), one is Near Threatened (Margaritifera falcata), and one is Least Concern (Anodonta oregonensis/kennerlyi clade). Freshwater mussel richness declined 35% across western watersheds by area, and among the most historically diverse watersheds, nearly half now support fewer species/clades. Future research and conservation efforts should prioritize identifying the proximate causes for these declines and preserving existing habitat and populations.