Status of Epioblasma florentina curtisii (Frierson and Utterback...

Status of Epioblasma florentina curtisii (Frierson and Utterback 1916),

Curtis Pearlymussel, in Arkansas

John L. Harris

1, Jerry L. Farris

1,2,3, and Alan D. Christian

1,2

1Arkansas State University, Department of Biological Sciences, P.O. Box 599, State

University AR 72467, 2

Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences, P.O. Box 847,

State University AR 72467,3 Associate Dean, College of Sciences and Mathematics, P.O.

Box 1030, State University, AR 72467

Final Report

31 December 2007

Status of Epioblasma florentina curtisii (Frierson and Utterback 1916),

Curtis Pearlymussel, in Arkansas

John L. Harris

1, Jerry L. Farris

1,2,3, and Alan D. Christian

1,2

1Arkansas State University, Department of Biological Sciences, P.O. Box 599, State

University AR 72467, 2

Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences, P.O. Box 847,

State University AR 72467,3 Associate Dean, College of Sciences and Mathematics, P.O.

Box 1030, State University, AR 72467

ABSTRACT

Mussel surveys were conducted from 1996 - 2006 in Ozark Highland portions of White

River Drainage, Arkansas streams in search of Epioblasma florentina curtisii, Curtis

pearlymussel. In total, 11 rivers or creeks draining the Ozark Highlands were partially

or completely surveyed covering more than 550 stream miles (> 880 stream kilometers)

using a combination of qualitative and quantitative survey methods to sample 276 sites.

Survey efforts were concentrated in the Buffalo, Little Red, Spring, South Fork Spring,

Strawberry, and White rivers.

A review of the literature and museum holdings revealed four reported E. florentina

curtisii localities in Arkansas, two in the South Fork Spring River, one in the Spring

River, and one in the Black River. Voucher specimens are available for one of the South

Fork Spring River sites (University of Arkansas Collections, Fayetteville) and the Spring

River at Hardy site (Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago 59219 and National

Museum of Natural History 160736). The Black River locality record is in doubt as no

voucher specimens are available, and the photographic documentation suggests a possible

case of mis-labeled field data.

This survey effort did not find any live, fresh dead or relict specimens of Epioblasma

florentina curtisii. However, live individuals of E. triquetra (snuffbox) were reported for

the first time from the Buffalo River, and substantial numbers of fresh dead (in muskrat

middens) and living E. triquetra were found at two sites in the Spring River downstream

of Imboden. Mussel aggregations having high density and diversity mussel were located

in the Buffalo, Spring, South Fork Spring, and Strawberry rivers. Those sites where the

greatest community diversity was recorded warrant future survey attention, as well as

inspection for the presence of E. florentina curtisii..

INTRODUCTION

Epioblasma florentina curtisii was described as Truncilla curtisii (“Curtis’ shell”) by

Frierson and Utterback in The Naiades of Missouri (Utterback 1916; p. 190-192). The

types, two females and a male, were from the White River at Hollister, Taney County,

Missouri which is now affected by the tailwaters of Table Rock Lake. These specimens,

represented in the original description as hand drawn figures, are apparently lost, and a

lectotype was designated by Johnson (1978) from University of Michigan Museum of

Zoology (UMMZ) series 90748. Stansbery (1971) recognized E. florentina curtisii as a

subspecies based primarily on epidermal coloration, and Johnson (1978) questioned the

need for its recognition based on (lack of) morphological differences with E. florentina

florentina. Turgeon et al. (1998) maintained the subspecific designation recognizing

Epioblasma florentina curtisii (Frierson and Utterback 1916).

Frierson (1927) erected several new subgenera without descriptions, only citing type

species (Johnson 1978), and Epioblasma florentina was included in the subgenus

Capsaeformis (Frierson 1927) with E. capsaeformis and E. turgidula. Johnson (1978)

subsequently placed these species in the subgenus Torulosa (with E. torulosa, E.

biemarginata, E. propinqua, and E. sampsoni) citing that the minor conchological

characters differentiating the subgenera did not warrant the use of Capsaeformis.

Subgenus Torulosa, commonly known as the riffleshells, currently includes E.

biemarginata, E. capsaeformis, E. florentina, E. phillipsi, E. propinqua, E. sampsoni, E.

torulosa, and E. turgidula (Jones et al. 2006)

Early in the 1900s, Epioblasma florentina curtisii occurred at scattered locations in the

White and St. Francis River basins in southern Missouri and northern Arkansas (U. S.

Fish and Wildlife Service 1986). Johnson (1978), Harris and Gordon (1987), and Harris

et al. (1997) reviewed the historic Arkansas distribution of E. florentina curtisii, and the

only known localities in Arkansas are from the Spring and South Fork Spring rivers of

the White River Drainage in northeast Arkansas.

Epioblasma florentina curtisii has been found in stream reaches which are transition

areas between headwater and lowland stream reaches having been found in order 4 to 7

streams with gradients of 0.9-8.0 feet per mile with stable substrates of sand and gravel to

gravel, cobble and boulder, in riffles or runs (U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1986).

Oesch (1995) summarized the habitat in Missouri as small to medium gravel substrate

and in quiet water at the edge of a good current or in water with a moderate current.

Bruenderman et al. (2001) reported habitat and water quality degradation in the Little

Black River, Missouri and hypothesized that Epioblasma florentina curtisii was

extirpated from its last known refuge in that state. Similar, if less severe, water quality

degradation, primarily in the form of sedimentation, has been reported in the Buffalo

River (Harris 1996), Spring River (Trauth et al. 2007), and Strawberry River (ADEQ

Final Report Page 2

2004) in Arkansas, and much of the mainstem White River lotic fauna in Arkansas

suffers from the effects of impoundment and hypolimnetic releases from dams in

Arkansas and Missouri (Gordon 1982, Christian 1995, Harris 2002). Nevertheless, the

Spring and Strawberry river drainages are noted for their high species richness and are

exceptional in comparison to other streams in Arkansas and Missouri (Harris 1999).

Historic White River Drainage (Arkansas) Mussel Surveys (Pre 1997)

Gordon et al. (1980) summarized the Arkansas distribution of unionids based on museum

collections, and the historic mussel surveys that included Call (1895), Meek and Clark

(1912), Wheeler (1914, 1918), and Hinkley (1916). In the early 1980s, Gordon and

Harris (1983) initiated surveys in search of Arkansas’ rare unionids including

Epioblasma florentina curtisii. Table 1 and the following discussion summarize mussel

survey effort in major White River drainages prior to 1997.

Black River

Ecological Consultants, Inc. (1983) surveyed 12 sites on the Black River from its

confluence with the White River (Jackson County) upstream to Pocahontas, Randolph

County. Three specimens (2 females, 1 male) collected from the mouth of the Spring

River were identified as Epioblasma florentina curtisii, and the specimens were judged to

have been dead less than two years based on criteria conventionally used by

malacologists (Ecological Consultants, Inc. 1983). It is unclear if the specimens figured

in Ecological Consultants, Inc. (1984) are the specimens collected at the mouth of the

Spring River, and it is unknown if these specimens were deposited in a museum

collection.

Gordon et al. (1984) utilized crowfoot Braille and SCUBA diving to survey 28 river

miles of the Black River from six miles upstream of U. S. Highway 67 at Pocahontas,

Randolph County downstream to U. S. Highway 63 at Black Rock, Lawrence County.

Fifty-six sites were sampled using the crowfoot braille to locate large, dense

aggregations, and then SCUBA techniques were used to intensively sample 11 high-

density areas.

Rust (1993) surveyed the Black River from the Arkansas-Missouri state line to the

confluence with the White River, a distance of approximately 171 river miles (275 river

kilometers = rkm). Rust’s survey methodology was designed to delineate the area

inhabited by and provide populations estimates for large, high-density mussel

aggregations. The Black River is unique in that it parallels the interface of the Ozark

Highlands and Mississippi Alluvial Plain with incursions into the Ozark Central Plateau

near Pocahontas, Randolph County and upstream of the mouth of the Spring River near

Black Rock downstream to near Old Davidsonville, Lawrence County (ca. 20 rm ~ 32.2

rkm).

Final Report Page 3

Table 1. Summary of study area (Ozark Highlands,

White River drainage, Arkansas) mussel survey data 1980-1995.

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Table 1. (continued) Summary of study area (Ozark Highlands,

White River drainage, Arkansas) mussel survey data 1980-1995.

Final Report Page 5

Buffalo River

Meek and Clark (1912) surveyed the mainstem of the Buffalo River from Pruitt, Newton

County, downstream to the confluence of the Buffalo and White rivers near Buffalo City,

Baxter County, during July and August 1910. Twenty-six stations were qualitatively

sampled and 22 species were recorded.

Harris (1996) surveyed the Buffalo River from Arkansas Highway 7 near Pruitt

downstream to the confluence of the Buffalo with the White River. The survey was

conducted by canoe using both snorkel and hookah dive techniques and 40 sites were

assessed. The primary goals of this survey were to revisit the sites described by Meek

and Clark (1912), determine if they were extant, and document the present mussel

diversity of the Buffalo River.

Current River

Gordon and Harris (1983) sampled four sites by snorkel techniques while surveying 3.7

miles of the Current River via canoe access. The survey effort extended from the

Arkansas – Missouri state line to west of Success, Clay County.

Little Red River

Clarke (1987) summarized the known information regarding mussels of the Little Red

River during surveys to assess the status of Lampsilis streckeri. Survey effort consisted

of 21 sites in the forks of the Little Red River, primarily the Middle Fork Little Red

River. Harris (1991, 1992a, 1992b, and 1993) surveyed numerous sites, primarily in the

Middle Fork Little Red River, utilizing dive and snorkel techniques. The 1991 and 1992b

efforts were intensive surveys of a relatively small area associated with a natural gas

pipeline crossing of the Middle Fork Little Red River, and the 1993 survey was an

intensive effort at two localized sites.

Spring River

Gordon and Harris (1983) surveyed approximately 38 rm (61 rkm) of the Spring River by

canoe over a two-day period in September 1983. The survey methodology included

collection of fresh dead and relict shells from middens and depositional areas (gravel

bars, islands) and snorkeling / hand grubbing for live mussels. Total effort expended at

each of the 18 collections sites ranged from 1-2 person hours.

The Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD 1984) performed a

systematic removal and relocation of a mussel aggregation at a bridge construction site

for a county road bridge crossing south of Ravenden, Lawrence County. A total of

1,483-m2

quadrats were excavated, and the mussels identified, enumerated, and relocated

upstream of the project area over a four week period in May-June 1984. Thirty-three taxa

Final Report Page 6

were identified among the 3372 live mussels relocated, and these included one live

Epioblasma triquetra.

Miller and Nelson (1984) visually surveyed the Spring River from the mouth upstream to

Imboden and collected dead shells from middens and depositional areas at one site (RM

11). This collection yielded 24 species.

Gordon et al. (1984) sampled 24 sites in the lower Spring River from the mouth upstream

to Imboden, Lawrence and Randolph counties during July 1984. Crowfoot braille

techniques were used to sample all sites, and SCUBA dive, snorkel, and hand grubbing

techniques were used to more intensively sample 14 of these 24 sites. Thirty-five

species were encountered including relict specimens of E. triquetra from two sites.

Harris and Welch (1985) surveyed the source waters of the Spring River beginning at the

spring run exiting Mammoth Spring, Fulton County, and extending downstream a

distance of approximately 0.5 rm (0.8 rkm). The intensive survey effort yielded only

seven native species despite nine person hours of sample time.

Rust (1993) surveyed 36 sites in the Spring River from the mouth upstream to Imboden

using hookah dive techniques. Six mussel aggregations (beds) were located, defined, and

sampled; three using stratified random m2 quadrat (quantitative) sampling methodology,

and three using haphazardly placed m2 quadrat (semi-quantitative) sampling

methodology. The three beds quantitatively assessed ranged in size from 500 m2 to 1,500

m2 and had substantial sample effort ranging from 25-62 m

2 quadrats excavated. The

remaining three aggregations were sampled by excavating 10 m2 per aggregation.

South Fork Spring River

Gordon and Harris (1983) surveyed six road crossing or vehicle access sites over two

days in October 1983. Twenty-six taxa were found but no representatives of Epioblasma.

Strawberry River

Gordon and Harris (1983) surveyed seven road crossing or vehicle access sites in a single

day during September 1983. Thirty-three species were documented including relicts of

Epioblasma triquetra. Rust (1993) surveyed 26 sites by hookah diving over

approximately 13 rm (ca. 20 rkm) from the mouth upstream to AR Highway 25 near

Strawberry, Lawrence County. Rust (1993) sampled one minor aggregation using semi-

quantitative m2 quadrat excavations and documented 14 species.

White River

Dames and Moore (1977) sampled the White River between RM 261-276 in November

1977 utilizing primarily crowfoot braille methods with diving substituted at one site. The

Final Report Page 7

area sampled was presented as braille hauls totaling a distance of 3090 yards (2.8 km)

and a total sample area equal to approximately 10,300 yd2 (8600 m

2). Twenty specimens

representing 12 taxa were collected over the three-day survey period.

Gordon (1980a) qualitatively surveyed 33 sites in the White River headwaters of

Madison and Washington counties at vehicle access sites and documented 24 species.

Further downstream below the reservoirs, Harris (1994) qualitatively dive surveyed 23

sites between White River Miles 260-264 upstream of the Black River confluence. A

total of 12 species were documented from these sites.

Christian (1995) surveyed the large, commercially valuable mussel aggregations of the

White River from the mouth upstream to the confluence of the Black and White rivers

near Newport, Jackson County, a distance of approximately 257 rm (413.5 rkm). More

importantly from the perspective of Interior Highland distributed species such as

Epioblasma, Christian (1995) also surveyed a 10 rm (16.1 rkm) segment beginning at

Lock and Dam 1 at Batesville, Independence County and extending upstream for 10 rm.

Fourteen species were documented from 15 exploratory dives and from semi-quantitative

dive sampling at two sites.

Harris (1995) surveyed a 10 rm (16.1 rkm) segment of the White River (RM 264-274)

near the interface of the Ozark Highlands (Springfield Plateau) and the Mississippi

Alluvial Valley (Western Lowlands Holocene Meander Belts). Using Hookah dive

equipment, Harris (1995) surveyed 47 sites and found 20 species.

METHODS

The authors, their students, and colleagues have conducted numerous mussel surveys in

Ozark Highland tributaries to the White River since 1996. An effort was made to

summarize the locations, level of effort, and results of these surveys prior to initiating

additional surveys in search of Epioblasma florentina curtisii.

Museum collections were searched to determine the historic distribution of E. florentina

curtisii so that emphasis was placed on surveying the historic locations or stream systems

having habitat with similar characteristics as those reported for historic sites. Digital

databases were searched on the Internet for the following museum collections: Academy

of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia (ANSP); Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard

University (MCZ); University of Michigan Museum of Zoology (UMMZ); Ohio State

University Museum of Zoology (OSUMZ); Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS); Field

Museum of Natural History, Chicago (FMNH); Florida Museum of Natural History

(FLMNH); United States National Museum, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural

History (NMNH); and Mayborn Museum Complex, Baylor University (MMC). In

addition, Butler (2007) was utilized as a reference for E. triquetra localities in Arkansas.

Final Report Page 8

In order to maximize the probability of locating E. florentina curtisii, the survey effort

was concentrated in the Buffalo, Strawberry, Spring, and South Fork Spring river

drainages (Figure 1). Survey sites were accessed by canoeing or boating the entire length

of each river and timed searches of suitable mussel habitat were performed using snorkel

and/or dive techniques. Over night camping was required twice during the Strawberry

River survey due to distance between access points. Each survey site was searched by

multiple individuals ranging from 2-8 per site and search strategies included hand

grubbing, over turning slab rocks and boulders, wafting fine sediments, searching

depositional areas, and collecting shell material from middens.

Nomenclature follows Turgeon et al. (1998), and voucher specimens of fresh dead shell

material and live collected specimens are already or soon to be deposited at the Arkansas

State University Museum of Zoology. Dead shells were noted as fresh dead (F),

weathered dead (W) or sub-fossil (SF) for each collection site. Fresh dead shells retained

intact persiostracum with a minimum of flaking and the nacre showed little evidence of

chalking. Weathered dead shells had flaking or totally missing periostracum, chalky

nacre, but lateral and pseudocardinal teeth were mostly intact. Sub-fossil shells were

without periostracum, nacres was chalking, flaking, and/or layers were missing, and teeth

were generally eroded or worn off. Live material collected for vouchers was fixed in

100% ethanol for future genetic studies. Length of stream surveyed for all studies was

determined using the measure tool in the Delorme Topo USA software program version

5.0 (DeLorme 2004).

RESULTS

Table 2 summarizes the on-line survey results of museum records and holdings for

Epioblasma florentina curtisii and E. turgidula in Arkansas and Missouri. Table 2 also

includes museum records for E. triquetra collected from Arkansas only.

Table 3 summarizes the surveys conducted in the Ozark Highland portions of the White

River drainage from 1996 to present. Specific drainages that received substantial survey

effort are addressed more fully in the following subsections.

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Final Report Page 10

Table 2. Museum holdings of Epioblasma florentina curtisii in Arkansas and Missouri, and E. triquetra in Arkansas.


Buffalo River

During 2004 and 2005, Matthews (2007) conducted a survey of 146 rm (235 rkm) of the

Buffalo River from Dixon Ford in the Ozark National Forest, Newton County,

downstream to the confluence of the Buffalo and White rivers, near Buffalo City, Baxter

County. Matthews assessed 33 sites using qualitative sampling by timed visual searches

(wading, snorkeling, and diving methods) and 22 sites using quantitative sampling by

stratified random m2 quadrat excavation. Twenty-two species were represented from

among the 2,870 individuals collected including two specimens of Epioblasma triquetra,

a species that was previously unreported from the river. Unionid diversity of the Buffalo

River now totals 29 species.

Kings River

W. R. Posey II, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) malacologist, surveyed

19 sites in the Kings River over three days in May 2003 (Posey, personal

communication). The survey extended from the AGFC Rockhouse Access in Madison

County downstream to the AGFC Lower Kings River Access at County Road 450,

Carroll County approximately 3.0 river miles (4.8 rkm) upstream of the Arkansas

Missouri state line. Total length of the survey was approximately 37 river miles (59.5

rkm). Sites were accessed via canoe, and all sites were qualitatively sampled using timed

visual searches by two surveyors with snorkel gear. No Epioblasma species were found.

Little Red River

During 2000-2001, Winterringer (2003) surveyed approximately 59.5 river miles (95.7

rkm) of the Middle Fork Little Red River from Searcy County Road 7 downstream to the

confluence with Greers Ferry Lake as part of a population dynamics and reproductive

biology study of Lampsilis streckeri (Frierson 1927). Fourteen sites were selected for

intensive analysis that included both timed visual search and quantitative 0.25 m2 quadrat

sampling. No Epioblasma species were encountered.

C. L. Davidson (U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service) and W. R. Posey II conducted surveys

in major tributaries of the Little Red River (Table 3) from 2004-2006 that included:

Archey Fork Little Red River from Castleberry Creek to U.S. Highway 65, Turkey Creek

from Stone County Road 21 to the confluence with Beech Fork Little Red River, Beech

Fork Little Red River from origin to Everett Ridge Road, Middle Fork Little Red River

from Searcy County Road 9 to U. S. Highway 65, South Fork Little Red River from Gulf

Mountain Road to Greers Ferry Reservoir, and Big Creek from Tylar Road in

Independence County to McJester Road in Cleburne County. A total of 32 sites were

surveyed using qualitative sampling by timed visual searches (wading and snorkeling)

(Davidson and Posey, personal communication). The primary focus of their

investigations was determining status of Lampsilis streckeri in these streams. These

survey efforts documented 24 species, however no Epioblasma species were encountered.


Spring River

A summary of 2004-2005 survey results is presented in Table 4 and site field data sheets

are located in Appendix I. In addition, results of 2005 quantitative surveys at seven

Spring River sites presented in Trauth et al. (2007) are included in Table 3 and

population estimate data are placed in Appendix II. Thirty-five sample collections were

made at 30 sites during the course of this survey, and 69.4 person hours were expended

on qualitative searches. An additional seven days were spent collecting quantitative data

at seven sites. Locations of survey sites are provided in Figure 2a for sites between

Mammoth Spring and Hardy and in Figure 2b for sites between Hardy and the confluence

of the Spring and Black rivers.

Thirty-nine species were recorded during these efforts, but no live or relict specimens of

Epioblasma florentina curtisii were found. However, substantial numbers of fresh dead

E. triquetra were found at two sites with live specimens found at one of those.

South Fork Spring River

A summary of 2001-2005 qualitative survey results and the results of quantitative

samples taken in 2006 (H. Martin, personal communication) are presented in Table 5.

Sixty-five sample collections were made at 53 sites, and the distribution of these sites is

illustrated in Figures 3a (sites upstream of Arkansas Highway 9 near Salem) and 3b (sites

downstream of Arkansas Highway 9 to confluence of South Fork Spring and Spring

rivers). Qualitative survey sites (n=35) sampled by H. Martin in 2006 are shown in the

figures but not included in the summary of survey results found in Table 5.

Approximately 62.2 person hours were expended on 21 qualitative search sites in 2001-

2005, and 35 person hours were expended on 35 sites in 2006 (H. Martin, personal

communication). An additional five field days were spent collecting and establishing

quantitative data for nine sites.

Thirty-seven species were recorded during these surveys, but no live or relict specimens

of Epioblasma species were found.

Myatt Creek

Myatt Creek is a major tributary to the Spring River with its confluence approximately

8.4 rkm (5.2 rm) upstream of the South Fork Spring River confluence in Hardy.

Davidson (1997) surveyed a 23.2 rkm length of Myatt Creek via canoe in August and

September 1996 and searched two additional lengths at road crossings via pedestrian

access. A total of 11 sites were surveyed and 19 species documented, but no liver or

relict specimens of Epioblasma species were found..


Table 3. Summary of study area (Ozark Highlands, White River drainage, Arkansas)

mussel survey data 1996-2006.


Table 4. Summary of Spring River Arkansas mussel survey data 2004-2005.

(F=fresh dead; W=weathered dead; SF=sub-fossil, v=valve)


Table 4. (continued) Summary of Spring River Arkansas mussel survey data 2004-2005.



Table 5. Summary of South Fork Spring River Arkansas mussel survey data 2001-2006.



Table 6. Summary of Strawberry River Arkansas mussel survey data 1983-2006.



Table 6. (continued) Summary of Strawberry River Arkansas mussel survey data 1983-2006.



Strawberry River

A summary of 1996-2006 qualitative survey results is presented in Table 6, and the data

acquired by Gordon and Harris (1983) and Rust (1993) are also included. Data for 59

sites are summarized, and 51 of these were surveyed from 1996-2006, during which time

69.2 person hours were expended searching these sites over 12 field days. Site locations

are illustrated in Figures 4a and 4b.

Distributional and relative abundance data were acquired for 39 species, and relict

Epioblasma triquetra were found at three sites. No E. florentina curtisii were collected

during the Strawberry River survey.

DISCUSSION

Epioblasma florentina curtisii is known in Arkansas from three reported historic

collection sites in the Spring River drainage in the north central portion of the state

(Ecological Consultants, Inc. 1983, Harris and Gordon 1987). As summarized in Table 2,

there are two extant museum collections (FMNH 59219 and NMNH 160736), both from

the Spring River at Hardy, Sharp County. An additional collection is reported from the

South Fork Spring River near Salem, Fulton County and voucher specimens from the A.J.

Brown private collection are housed at the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences,

University of Arkansas Collections, Fayetteville.

Epioblasma florentina curtisii has also been reported from the South Fork Spring River at

Fulton County Road 61 west of Saddle, AR (Freida Schilling, personal communication).

The sighting was in the late 1970s prior to construction of the new County Road bridge in

1983. Apparently there are no voucher specimens for this location as the Schilling

collection was donated to the Field Museum of Natural History at Chicago, and there

were no E. florentina curtisii from this site (J. Gerber, Curator, FMNH, personal

communication).

A fourth previously reported site is “Black River at the mouth of the Spring River”,

Lawrence-Randolph County with specimens collected and illustrated by J. M. Bates and

S. D. Dennis (Ecological Consultants, Inc. 1983, 1984). Attempts to locate these

specimens have been unsuccessful, and there is some concern as to whether this site

represents a valid record of Epioblasma florentina curtisii. The Recovery Plan for E.

florentina curtisii (U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1986, p. 5) alludes to the fact that

these Black River specimens are not E. florentina curtisii. M. E. Gordon (personal

communication) believes these specimens to represent E. capsaeformis, a species

restricted to the Tennessee River system, and the reported Black River location the result

of accidental label switching for the field collection data.


No Epioblasma florentina curtisii have been reported from Arkansas since the early

1980s, and none were encountered during this survey. However, additional locations and

numerous fresh-dead and several live specimens of E. triquetra have recently been

encountered. Matthews (2007) recorded the first occurrence of E. triquetra from the

Buffalo River. Two additional sites were found on the Spring River where numerous

fresh dead individuals were found in muskrat middens and up to five live individuals

were found during survey efforts. These discoveries of E. triquetra in numbers and at

sites never before found leave hope that E. florentina curtisii may still be present in

Arkansas.

There are several sites on the Strawberry, South Fork Spring, and Spring rivers that

should be monitored and resurveyed over a continuum of years. A statewide freshwater

mussel monitoring plan is being formulated by the AGFC and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife

Service that will incorporate additional repeated monitoring at five year intervals for

specific high diversity, high density mussel aggregations from river and stream systems

across each of the Level IV ecoregions within Arkansas. Specific sites in the study area

recommended for inclusion in a statewide monitoring plan are Strawberry River sites 97-

6, 96-11, and 06-14; Spring River sites 04-07, 04-09, 05-07, and 05-09; and South Fork

Spring River sites 01-04, 02-01, and 02-02. Buffalo National River personnel and

Arkansas State University are planning to implement a similar monitoring agenda at 12

sites scattered along the length of the river (Matthews 2007).

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Chris Davidson, Mark Gordon, Waylon Hiler, Randy Hoeh, Christian Hutson, Kelly

Irwin, Holly Martin, Mickey Matthews, Emy Monroe, Susan Rogers Oetker, Andy Peck,

Bill Posey, Andy Roberts, Josh Seagraves, Sara Seagraves, and Ben Wheeler provided

assistance in the field. Dr. Jochen Gerber provided information regarding the Schilling

Collection at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago.

Susan Rogers Oetker initiated efforts to secure funding and, Chris Davidson and Andy

Roberts administered grant monies from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.


LITERATURE CITED

ADEQ. 2004. Arkansas’ 2004 list of impaired waterbodies. Water Division, Arkansas

Department of Environmental Quality, Little Rock. 19 p.

Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department. 1984. Relocation of the pink

mucket pearly mussel (Lampsilis orbiculata) in the Spring River near Ravenden,

Lawrence County, Arkansas. Report submitted to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,

Endangered Species Office, Jackson, MS. 9 pp.

Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department. 1987. Survey of mussels

(Pelecypoda: Unionidae) in the White River at the proposed Arkansas Highway 58

bridge near Guion, Arkansas. Environmental Division, Little Rock, AR. 8 pp.

Bruendermann, S. A., J. S. Faiman, and A. C. Buchanan. 2001. Survey for the Curtis

pearly mussel, Epioblasma florentina curtisii (Utterback 1914) and other mussel

species in the Little Black River, Missouri. Missouri Department of Conservation,

Fisheries and Wildlife Research Center, Columbia, MO. 23 p.

Butler, R. S. 2007. Status assessment report for the snuffbox, Epioblasma triquetra,

a freshwater mussel occurring in the Mississippi River and Great Lakes Basins.

U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Asheville, NC. 212 p.

Call, R. E. 1895. A study of the Unionidae of Arkansas, with incidental references to

their distribution in the Mississippi Valley. Trans. Acad. Sci. St. Louis 7:1-65.

Christian, A. D. 1995. Analysis of the commercial mussel beds in the Cache and White

rivers in Arkansas. M.S. thesis, Dept. Biological Sciences, Arkansas State

University, State University, AR. 197 p.

Clarke, A. H. 1985. Mussel (naiad) study: St. Francis and White rivers. Final Report

(Contract No. DACW66-84-M-1666-R), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Memphis

District. 28 pp.

Clarke, A. H. 1987. Status survey of Lampsilis streckeri Frierson (1927) and Arcidens

wheeleri (Ortmann and Walker, 1912). Ecosearch, Inc., Final report to the U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service, Jackson, MS. 24 p + Appendix.

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Appendix I

Field Data Sheets

Appendix I – Field Data Sheets Page 1

Appendix II

Spring River Quantitative Survey Results

Trauth et al. 2007

Appendix II – Survey Results Page 1

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