Habitat protection is also important beneath the water's surface. In West Virgina and Kentucky, refuge ownership extends into underwater areas around its islands. Forty species of freshwater mussels, including at least two endangered species, live on the refuge. These fascinating mollusks, some among the most imperiled wildilfe in the country today, require fish hosts in their life cycles. The refuge works with many partners to help conserve freshwater mussels.
Learn more about refuge habitats and restoration.
Learn more about refuge mussels.
Not all plants and wildlife are wanted on the refuge, however. Non-native invasive species create one of the greatest obstacles to conservation by crowding out native wildlife and plants. Japanese knotweed on land and zebra mussels in the river are among the most serious refuge exotics.
Learn more about refuge invasive species
Learn more about other refuge wildlife
Visit the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Bird website
Visit the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Endangered Species website
Privacy • Department of the Interior
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service• The National Wildlife Refuge System
