Alternative Text Description for Narrow Pigtoe (Threatened) Distribution Map

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MAP OVERVIEW

This map displays the geographic distribution of the Narrow Pigtoe, a threatened freshwater mussel species, across the southeastern United States. The map shows the species' known range boundaries as delineated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, with a focus on areas spanning from Georgia through Florida. The distribution is represented as a single unified area indicating where this threatened species occurs or has historically occurred.

GEOGRAPHIC CONTEXT

The map covers the southeastern coastal United States, primarily showing Georgia, South Carolina, and the entire state of Florida. Major cities labeled on the map include Atlanta, Athens, Greenville, Columbia, Charleston, Augusta, Macon, Savannah, Jacksonville, Gainesville, Orlando, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Palm Bay, West Palm Beach, Fort St. Lucie, Cape Coral, Coral Springs, and Freeport. The map extends from northern Georgia and South Carolina in the north to the southern tip of Florida, including the Florida Keys. The Atlantic Ocean is visible along the eastern coast, and the western portion includes parts of the Florida Panhandle. Coastal features and the intricate coastline of Florida, including its barrier islands and peninsular geography, are visible throughout the map extent.

KEY INSIGHTS

The Narrow Pigtoe distribution shows a linear pattern following Georgia's coastal region and extending southward along Florida's Atlantic coast. The species' range appears concentrated in a relatively narrow corridor that runs approximately parallel to the southeastern coastline. The distribution does not extend into the Florida peninsula's interior or the western Gulf coast regions, suggesting the species is associated with specific watershed systems in the coastal plain. There is no presence indicated in South Carolina, the Florida Panhandle, or southern peninsular Florida. The distribution pattern suggests habitat dependency on particular river systems or aquatic environments found in this specific geographic corridor.

VISUAL ELEMENTS

Narrow Pigtoe (Threatened) Distribution

This layer represents the geographic boundaries where the Narrow Pigtoe, a threatened freshwater mussel species, is found according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service records.

Narrow Pigtoe Distribution Area (diagonal striped pattern in light red/pink)

Appearance:

The distribution area is shown using a light red or pink fill with diagonal line hatching or striping pattern, creating a textured appearance that distinguishes it from the base map.

Distribution:

The species range extends from southeastern Georgia southward through northeastern Florida. The distribution follows a relatively narrow north-south corridor along the coastal plain region.

Notable locations:

The range includes areas near Savannah, Georgia, and extends through coastal Georgia into Florida, passing near Jacksonville and continuing southward along Florida's northeastern coast.

Spatial patterns:

The distribution forms an elongated, discontinuous corridor that follows the coastal plain geography. The pattern suggests association with specific river drainages or watershed systems in this region. The range does not extend westward into interior Georgia, nor does it cover the Florida peninsula beyond the northeastern coastal area. The linear, north-south orientation indicates the species' habitat is likely tied to specific aquatic systems that flow through this coastal corridor.

Overlapping Patterns

The species distribution overlaps with major urban areas including portions of the Jacksonville metropolitan region and other coastal communities, suggesting potential habitat exists within or near developed areas.

SYMBOL GUIDE

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This map represents the official species boundary as maintained by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for conservation and management purposes. The Narrow Pigtoe is federally listed as a threatened species, which means it is likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future. As a freshwater mussel, this species inhabits rivers and streams within the delineated range. The map shows the species' potential habitat extent rather than individual occurrence points, meaning the species may not be present at every location within the shaded boundary but is known to occur within this general geographic range. Conservation status and habitat protection measures apply within this designated area.

DATA CONTEXT

Data Source:

The data originates from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and represents the official polygonal boundaries for species as understood by the agency for the State of Florida and adjacent regions. The dataset is maintained as part of federal threatened and endangered species management efforts.

Data source layer name: CR_USFWS_POLY_JUL25

Definition Query:

The map displays only records where the common name equals "NARROW PIGTOE", filtering the broader USFWS species dataset to show this single threatened species' distribution.

Filter criteria: COMNAME = 'NARROW PIGTOE'

Scale Information:

The map is displayed at a regional scale showing multiple states, appropriate for understanding the species' overall geographic range and distribution patterns. This scale is suitable for conservation planning and understanding the species' range extent but does not show individual waterbodies or detailed habitat features.

Coordinate System:

NAD_1983_HARN_Florida_GDL_Albers (WKID 3087)

Time Period of Content:

The dataset is dated July 2025 (CR_USFWS_POLY_JUL25), representing the most current species boundary information available from USFWS as of that date.

Limitations:

Species range boundaries represent generalized areas where the species is known or believed to occur and do not indicate the species is present at every location within the polygon. Actual population locations may be discontinuous within the boundary. The dataset reflects known information at the time of publication and may not include recently discovered populations or account for recent habitat changes. Freshwater mussel distributions are dependent on specific aquatic habitat conditions that may vary within the mapped extent.

Map Coverage:

The map extent covers the southeastern United States from northern Georgia to southern Florida and the Florida Keys, extending from the Atlantic coast westward to include portions of interior Georgia and the Florida Panhandle. The coverage includes areas beyond the species' range to provide geographic context and orientation for understanding the species' distribution relative to major cities, state boundaries, and coastal features.

The alternative text description of this map was AI-generated and may contain inaccuracies.