Species Mapping
We play a leading role in updating and maintaining the NJ Endangered and Nongame Species Program's database of rare animal species.
Freshwater Mussel Distribution & Status in New Jersey
One of New Jersey's most imperiled and least understood groups of species are freshwater mussels.
Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, in partnership with the New Jersey Endangered and Nongame Species Program ("ENSP"), is currently conducting a status review of the state's freshwater mussel species. As a result of this effort, it is hoped that there will be a greater understanding of whether any native species are in need of further protection due to an imperiled status. All twelve of New Jersey's native freshwater species are being reviewed. As part of the review process, distribution maps and survey data are being provided to freshwater mussel experts in order for them to reach their conclusions on whether species are stable or declining in the state.
The following species range maps were created by Conserve Wildlife Foundation staff based upon data within the ENSP's Biotics database in addition to the expert opinion of ENSP biologist Jeanette Bowers-Altman. This data will also be used to update the American Museum of Natural History's website "Freshwater Mussels of the New York Metropolitan Region and New Jersey" as well as the forthcoming field guide to New Jersey's freshwater mussels, currently being developed by Jeanette Bowers-Altman. For more information on endangered, threatened, or special concern mussel species in New Jersey, please visit our on-line field guide.
NATIVE SPECIES
Zoom+ Range of the alewife floater in New Jersey.
Zoom+ Range of the brook floater in New Jersey.
Zoom+ Range of the creeper in New Jersey.
Zoom+ Range of the dwarf wedgemussel in New Jersey.
Zoom+ Range of the eastern elliptio in New Jersey.
Zoom+ Range of the eastern floater in New Jersey.
Zoom+ Range of the eastern lampmussel in New Jersey.
Zoom+ Range of the eastern pondmussel in New Jersey.
Zoom+ Range of the green floater in New Jersey.
Zoom+ Range of the tidewater mucket in New Jersey.
Zoom+ Range of the triangle floater in New Jersey.
Zoom+ Range of the yellow lampmussel in New Jersey.
NON-NATIVE SPECIES
Several species of exotic freshwater mollusks have been introduced into New Jersey waters. These species compete with native species for space and food. The Asian clam, introduced to the western United States in the 1930s, is now the most widespread freshwater mollusk in North America. Although the paper pondshell is native to eastern portions of North America, it is believed to be an introduced species in New Jersey.
Zoom+ Range of the Asian clam in New Jersey.
Zoom+ Range of the paper pondshell in New Jersey.
Zoom+ Range of the lilliput in New Jersey.
The lilliput was only recently found within New Jersey and only within one watershed. Whether or not it is a native species in the state is unknown at this time. The nearest native range for this species is western New York and western Pennsylvania. New Jersey's lilliput discovery, if native, would be the only known native location east of the Appalachian Mountains. However, until further research determines that it is native within the state, it is classified as a non-native species.
Learn More:
- American Museum of Natural History - “Freshwater Mussels of the New York Metropolitan Region and New Jersey”
- New Jersey's Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern Species Field Guide.
Contact Us:
Michael J. Davenport, Marine Species & GIS Programs Manager: Email
609.292.3795
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