Identifying species in need of protection

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is responsible for identifying those species that are in need of protection under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Service will be making a determination on whether two species of freshwater mussels (Mexican fawnsfoot and Salina mucket) warrant protections under the Act. These freshwater mussels are endemic to western Texas in the Rio Grande and Pecos river basin.