PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

Animal Classification:

Animal Group:

Animal Name Type:

Search Animals:

Scientific Name	Common Name	Global Rank	State Rank	Federal Status	WI Status	Animal Group

Salamander Mussel (Simpsonaias ambigua)

State Status: THR

Federal Status: PE

State Rank: S2

Global Rank: G1G2

Wildlife Action Plan: SGCN

Photo by Lisie Kitchel

Counties with Mapped NHI Occurrences

Salamander Mussel (Simpsonaias ambigua), presently listed as a Federal Species of Concern and Threatened in Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, this species is only found in mud, silt, or sand substrates beneath medium to large-sized flat rocks and undercut ledges, where its host, the mudpuppy frequents. It occurs in both the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan drainages. It can be very abundant locally but is otherwise extremely rare.

Wildlife Action Plan

Associated Natural Communities and Ecological Landscapes

Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) are associated with habitats (or natural communities) and places on the landscape. Understanding relationships among SGCN, natural communities and ecological landscapes help us make decisions about issues affecting SGCN and their habitat and how to respond. Download the Wildlife Action Plan association score spreadsheet to explore rare species, natural communities and ecological landscape associations

Issues/Threats and Conservation Actions

Conservation actions respond to issues or threats, which adversely affect species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) or their habitats. Besides actions such as restoring wetlands or planting resilient tree species in northern communities, research, surveys and monitoring are also among conservation actions described in the Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan because lack of information can threaten our ability to successfully preserve and care for natural resources.

PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

Salamander Mussel (Simpsonaias ambigua)

Rare Species & Natural Communities

Additional Resources

For more information, contact