Freshwater mussels of Illinois

K. Cummings

A new Freshwater Mussels of Illinois (Mollusca: Unionacea) is being prepared. This monograph will reflect changes in nomenclature, provide keys for identification, include distribution maps, and update the biological literature since the 1967 publication of P.W. Parmalee's Fresh-water Mussels of Illinois. A computer data base containing verifiable collections-based information on the distribution of Illinois mussels has been completed and includes data from the Survey, the University of Illinois Museum of Natural History, the Illinois State Museum, the Field Museum of Natural History, the Chicago Academy of Sciences, and eight out-of-state museums.

Freshwater mussels of the Mackinaw River

K. Cummings, C. Mayer, The Nature Conservancy

As part of an ongoing effort to develop a plan to protect the Mackinaw River drainage in Illinois, sampling of freshwater mussels in the Mackinaw River is being conducted at various sites in the watershed. This survey combined with previous studies documented changes in the mussel fauna with a particular emphasis on endangered species. The Mackinaw River drainage has undergone many changes in historic times. Although 31 species were historically known from the drainage only 21 were found in these studies. Identifying areas where significant and diverse mussel populations occur will help resource managers protect remaining populations and possibly restore areas where mussels have been eliminated.

Mussel surveys for the IDOT Program

K. Cummings

Status surveys for freshwater mussel populations in Illinois streams are being conducted in association with Illinois Department of Transportation bridge and highway construction projects. These surveys focus on sites that may provide habitat for endangered, threatened or other rare mussels. Several locations throughout Illinois were surveyed in 1999. These surveys document the occurrence and abundance of mussels in Illinois and provide current information on the mussel resources of the state.

Status review of the endangered salamander mussel and mudpuppy

K. Cummings, C. Mayer, C. Phillips

A status review of the state endangered salamander mussel and mudpuppy will be conducted in 2000. The salamander mussel is the only species of freshwater mussels known to utilize an amphibian (the mudpuppy) as an intermediate host. Recent data indicates that populations of both of these animals may be declining. New information gained from this project will help to identify and manage populations that remain.