Little-Winged Pearly Mussel
An Endangered Species
So... What Is It?
Image Source: www.fws.gov
Distribution & Habitat
Once upon a time, the little-wing pearly mussel was widespread over many smaller tributaries of the upper Cumberland and Tennessee River basins in Alabama, North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. Then, everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked. It's now left to the ava- sorry.. erm, three populations may still live in the Cumberland River system & three in the Tennessee river system, including a very small population in the Little Tennessee River, North Carolina. The map above only shows three populations survive in three counties, including Swain, Macon, and Cherokee County.
Image Source: www.fws.gov
Why Is It Endangered?
You thought it was over? No, we humans don't stop there. Acid mine drainage and other water quality detriments associated with gas, oil, and mineral extraction also help the destruction of this freshwater mussel population.
Image Source: www.carolinapublicpress.org
Well, why should I care?
Image Source: www.ncwildlife.org