Nore pearl mussel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nore pearl mussel |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Margaritifera
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| Species: |
durrovensis
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The Nore pearl mussel (Margaritifera durrovensis) is a special type of freshwater pearl mussel. It's an aquatic animal, meaning it lives in water. It's also a bivalve, which means it has two shells, like a clam. This mussel is in big trouble – it's a critically endangered animal.
This mussel is found only in Ireland, which means it is endemic there. A scientist named R.A. Phillips first found it in 1926. He later said it was a new species. Some scientists still debate if it's a completely separate species or a special type of another mussel. However, the European Union protects it as its own unique animal.
Where the Nore Pearl Mussel Lives
The Nore pearl mussel is named after the River Nore in Ireland. It used to live in three rivers, known as the Three Sisters: the Barrow, the Suir, and the Nore. Sadly, since 1993, these mussels have only been found in the River Nore.
Unlike some other mussels, the Nore pearl mussel needs very specific water to live. It likes water that has a lot of calcium carbonate, which makes the water "hard." The parts of the River Nore where it lives have high levels of this mineral. These mussels also don't live as long as some other pearl mussels. They usually live for about 60 to 80 years.
Threats and Conservation
The number of Nore pearl mussels has dropped a lot. Between 1991 and 2009, their population went down by about 75%. The biggest problem for them is something called agricultural intensification. This means that farming practices have changed, leading to more pollution in the rivers.
Things like too much phosphorus, nitrate, and dirt from farms get into the water. This pollution harms the mussels and their habitat. To help save them, a special program was started in 2005 by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. In this program, young mussels are raised in a safe place. After they grow a bit, they are put back into the River Nore to help increase their numbers.
