Texas Nature Trackers
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
4200 Smith School Road
Austin, TX 78744
(800) 792-1112 ext. 8062
tracker@tpwd.texas.gov
Texas Nature Trackers: Texas Mussel Watch
Freshwater mussels are one of the most imperiled groups of animals in the United States. Texas hosts more than 50 species of native freshwater mussels. 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. Currently, 15 mussel species are listed as threatened at the state level. Six of those 15 species are now Candidate for listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Your observations of Texas freshwater mussels can help us gain a better understanding of the distribution and status of these invertebrates.
Get Involved
- Please post all incidental observations of freshwater mussels to our Freshwater Mussels of Texas Project on iNaturalist.
- Freshwater Mussel Biology
- Regulations on handling freshwater mussels.