Zooarchaeology and Conservation Biology of the Late Holocene Freshwater Mussel Community in the Leon River Basin of Central Texas

Freshwater Mussels (Unionidae) are sedentary filter-feeders that have experienced population declines throughout North America due to anthropogenic effects on rivers. The Leon River in Central Texas contains sixteen unionid species, two of which are endemic and that are candidates for federal endangered species listing. The Leon River is impacted by impoundments, agricultural runoff, and decreased dissolved oxygen levels. Conservation biologists are attempting to amass evidence to protect mussels in Texas. There is a limited historical record for this river basin and a single recent survey completed in 2012; zooarchaeological analysis of mussel remains from the late Holocene assemblage from 41HM61 adds new data to support conservation efforts.  Anomalies in species abundance within the modern community can either be attributed to species rarity or declines due to environmental degradation.