On March 3 we proposed adding the “Ouachita” fanshell (Cyprogenia cf. aberti), to the federal list of threatened and endangered species, as threatened.
The Service also proposed critical habitat and a 4(d) rule for the fanshell. Critical habitat is an area that contains essential habitat features for the survival and recovery of a listed species. A critical habitat designation imposes no requirements on state or private actions where no federal funding, permits or approvals are required. A 4(d) rule promotes conservation of listed species by encouraging management of the landscape to benefit both land management and conservation needs.
View the proposal
The proposed rule and supporting documents are available for comment online at https://www.regulations.gov under docket number FWS–R3–ES–2021–0061.
About
The mussel known as the Ouachita fanshell currently occurs in the Lower Red-Ouachita basin in Arkansas and historically occurred in Louisiana. Both species are typically found in medium and large rivers with good water quality, moderate to swift current, and gravel-sand streambeds. Like all mussels, these two species are omnivores that primarily filter feed on a wide variety of microscopic particles in the water. As with most freshwater mussels, the fanshell mussels have a unique life cycle that relies on fish hosts for successful reproduction. Habitat loss, degraded water quality, changes to river and stream flows, and construction of dams and other barriers are the primary threats to the species. Continued urbanization and the effects of climate change climate change
Climate change includes both global warming driven by human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases and the resulting large-scale shifts in weather patterns. Though there have been previous periods of climatic change, since the mid-20th century humans have had an unprecedented impact on Earth's climate system and caused change on a global scale.
Learn more about climate change are also expected to intensify these threats.
Public comment
The publication in the Federal Register will open a 60-day public comment period that closes on May 2, 2022. The public may submit comments to http://www.regulations.gov by searching FWS–R3–ES–2021–0061. Comments will be accepted through May 2, 2022.
Critical habitat
Approximately 294 river miles in Arkansas, all of which are occupied by the species, fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation. About 71% of the proposed critical habitat for the Ouachita fanshell overlaps with critical habitat already designated for the rabbitsfoot. The Service has also developed a draft economic analysis of the proposed designation of critical habitat for both species.
