Texas Mussel Watch

Introduction

Freshwater mussels are one of the most imperiled groups of animals in the U.S. Texas hosts more than 50 species of native freshwater mussels.

Hornshell mussel

Because scientists have only recently become aware of the severe decline in mussel populations, some species may have become extinct before their decline was even documented. Although there are many mussel species considered rare in Texas, only one mussel species, the Ouachita rock-pocketbook mussel, which has been found only in two tributaries of the Red River, is listed as endangered.

Texas Mussel Watch is one of several projects offered by Texas Nature Trackers, a program of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department that invites "citizen scientists" to get involved in real research to provide needed data about species of concern. Other projects include Texas Amphibian Watch, Texas Horned Lizard Watch, Texas Monarch Watch, and several bird monitoring programs such as the Texas Hummingbird Roundup. To find out more about Texas Nature Trackers or to sign up for a Texas Mussel Watch monitoring workshop, please contact TPWD's Wildlife Diversity Program.