CONSERVATION NEWS:

22 Species of animal have been newly listed as extinct by the USFWS

The most famous of the species declared extinct is the Ivory Billed Woodpecker. Forested Southern swamps were the stomping grounds of the Ivory Billed Woodpecker, and the draining of wetlands and logging of old growth forests contributed to their extinction. Though locals were searching for the Ivory Billed Woodpecker around Caddo Lake for decades, sadly, no verifiable accounts/ siting's exist. 

The majority of the 22 species declared extinct are freshwater mussels. Thankfully NONE of these species were found in local Caddo watershed waters, however, two local freshwater mussel species are being studied for potential listing as federally endangered. These two species, the Louisiana Pigtoe and Texas Heelsplitter, are already listed as threatened by the State of Texas and are found in Big Cypress Bayou/Caddo. The Pigtoe was petitioned to be listed in 2007 and FWS has considered listing the Heelsplitter since 1989. Water pollution and loss of habitat are assumed to be threats to both species, but these threats have not been established with data. FWS plans to publish a proposed listing decision along with a species status assessment for both species in 2021. A final listing decision could be made as early as 2022.

  Pigtoe Mussel (above)              Heelsplitter Mussel (above)

>> See full USFWS list HERE <<

Why do we care?

Freshwater mussels play an important role in aquatic ecosystems. They provide a food source for many organisms and as filter feeders, help clean the waters in which they reside. They do this by collecting organic particulate, bacteria and algae, as well as accumulating contaminants within their soft tissues. Because they have limited mobility and are typically long-lived, freshwater mussels are sensitive to changes in their environment and can serve as bioindicators of water quality issues. 

What is CLI doing?

The Caddo Lake Institute, along with key partners such as Northeast Texas Municipal Water District, The Nature Conservancy, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, have implemented a flow regime (releases of water from Lake O' the Pines,) designed to better mimic mother nature and to improve habitat for a whole range of plant and animal species. These efforts have already shown dramatic improvements in water quality, and more appropriate fish species numbers are increasing. The flows work addresses many of the habitat needs of these local threatened freshwater mussels.  

What are the habitat requirements?

• Proper Substrate (the surface or material on or from which an organism lives, grows, or obtains its nourishment)
• Proper Water Flow Quantity - the volume of water that moves over a designated point over a fixed period of time
• Natural Flow Regime - the natural characteristic pattern of a river's flow quantity, timing, and variability 
• Flow Refugia – area of stream bed that is not mobilized during high flooding events
• Maintaining Water Quality – Pollution, ammonia, turbidity, conductivity, etc.
• Proper Water Temperature – behavior, feeding rate, dissolved oxygen consumption and reproduction are all tied to temperature

What can you do?

Be aware of pollution/runoff from your property, especially if you are near a drainage/waterway. This includes reducing your use of fertilizers and/or pesticides, increasing the buffer areas along waterways (plant with native species to help filter runoff). You can also reduce impermeable pavement (concrete) on your property and only use phosphate free soap and detergent. Click HERE for more information on what you can do to reduce land pollution.

Supporting local organizations like Caddo Lake Institute, who are improving habitats, natural flows and restoring native species is crucial to these efforts. Click HERE to make your donation today!