EDGE team members David Ford, Adam Benshoff, David Foltz, and John Spaeth contributed to a recent study on the federally endangered Rayed Bean mussel (Villosa fabalis), which has seen significant declines in numbers and has vanished from much of its historical range in 10 states and Canada.
Due to the limited demographic data available for this species, the team gathered and analyzed variables including population size, recruitment rates, shell length, and sex ratios from four locations in the northeastern United States. Their findings, published in Freshwater Mollusk Biology and Conservation, reveal that all four streams support healthy, stable populations of Rayed Bean, providing crucial insights for conservation efforts.
The study offers valuable information on the resilience and protection needs of this rare species. For #furtherinsight, visit the link below to read the full paper.