Date: 2019 to 2022
Primary Contact: Caryn Vaughn
Research Location: Norman, Oklahoma
Funding: Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Department
Summary:
The purpose of this project was to survey for a rare mussel species, the Southern Hickorynut (Obovaria arkansasensis) in the Kiamichi, Glover, Mountain Fork, and Little Rivers in southeastern Oklahoma, and ascertain the species' distribution, status, and habitat needs. Researchers found that O. arkansasensis was uncommon across the four rivers, had been impacted by recent severe droughts, and recommended that the species should be monitored in the future to determine if populations recover or continue to decline. In the Kiamichi River, the species could be threatened by planned future water withdrawals and transfers. Researchers recommend that fish host studies be performed.
