A threatened species

 

Another species of mussel is in danger of disappearing from the Ohio River. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed protecting the pyramid pigtoe mussel as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.

From the supporting documentation, it appears some of the most vulnerable remaining populations of the pyramid pigtoe mussel are in Ohio River tributaries instead of the big river itself. The culprits this native mussel must contend with the usual ones: invasive species such as the zebra mussel, black carp and Asian clam; development of rivers for navigation and transportation; and pollution from human activities.