Conservation Status and What It Means for Landowners
Federal Status: Proposed Threatened | State Status: Threatened
Louisiana pigtoe is Federally proposed threatened and state threatened in Texas. Landowners managing for this species should be aware of applicable legal protections and consult with TPWD regarding management activities that may affect the species or its habitat.
Habitat Requirements
Louisiana pigtoe (Pleurobema riddellii) occurs in riverine and stream habitats across 51 Texas counties. Freshwater mussels are sensitive indicators of water quality and stream health. They require stable substrate, clean water with adequate dissolved oxygen, and healthy fish populations for larval development (most mussel species have parasitic larvae that develop on fish gills). Sedimentation, water pollution, and dam construction are the primary threats to freshwater mussel populations in Texas.
Wildlife Management Plan Implications
Including Louisiana pigtoe as a target species in your wildlife management plan demonstrates active management for a species of conservation concern in Texas. Your plan should document habitat conditions on your property, identify management practices that benefit this species, and establish monitoring protocols to track population trends over the 5-year plan period. Because this species carries conservation status, managing for it strengthens your plan and demonstrates the highest standard of land stewardship.
Texas Ecoregions
- Multiple Texas ecoregions
Texas County Distribution
51
of 254 Texas counties with documented occurrences
20% of Texas counties
Recommended Management Practices
These practices from the 7 pillars of wildlife management are most relevant to Louisiana pigtoe conservation.
Habitat Control
Maintain riparian buffers to reduce sedimentation and protect water quality
Erosion Control
Implement soil conservation practices throughout the watershed
Supplemental Water
Protect natural stream flows from excessive diversion
Census
Conduct benthic surveys in collaboration with qualified malacologists
Include Louisiana pigtoe in Your Wildlife Management Plan
Our interactive plan builder walks you through selecting target species, mapping your property, and meeting TPWD intensity standards for your ecoregion. Flat rate pricing, any Texas county.
Start Your Wildlife Management PlanFrequently Asked Questions
What does the conservation status of Louisiana pigtoe mean for my property?
Louisiana pigtoe is currently Federally proposed threatened and state threatened. This means the species receives legal protection and managing for it in your wildlife plan demonstrates compliance with conservation priorities. Active management for listed species can also open the door to conservation incentive programs.
How do I survey for Louisiana pigtoe on my property?
Survey methods depend on the species and habitat type. For Louisiana pigtoe, consult your ecoregion's TPWD wildlife biologist for recommended survey protocols. Document all observations with date, location, habitat description, and photographs when possible. Include survey results in your annual wildlife management plan activities log.