7 Amazing Animals That Are Endangered And Living In Tennessee

Landlocked and home to one of the most popular National Parks in the United States, there are a number of endangered animals in Tennessee. Besides the Appalachian Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are a variety of ecosystems and environments full of interesting and fascinating animals, albeit some that are rare and in need of protection.

In this article, we will go over only seven of the dozens of endangered animals that can be found in the state of Tennessee. From land to river, we’ll discuss what makes these animals so special as well as what conservation efforts are being put into place to protect these creatures. Let’s get started and talk all about some of the most special and endangered animals in Tennessee now!

Endangered Animals In Tennessee

According to the IUCN Red List, there are nearly 40 endangered or critically endangered animals living in the state of Tennessee. Some of these animals are only found in this particular state or within very specific ecosystems! Here are seven of the most interesting and wonderful endangered animals that call the Volunteer State home.

Obey Crayfish

Classified as Cambarus obeyensis, the Obey crayfish is critically endangered and only found in Tennessee. Petite and rusty orange in color, Obey crayfish are named after the only place they are found: the Obey River in Tennessee. This particular state plays host to a number of crayfish species, some of which are also endangered. Water pollution, nearby developmental runoff, and drought conditions are all threats to the Obey crayfish.

Appalachian Elktoe

Another animal struggling with water pollution is the Appalachian elktoe. This bivalve is compact and reaches roughly 4 inches in size when fully grown. It is only found within the intricate river systems of Tennessee and North Carolina. The Appalachian elktoe needs clean water and a healthy fish population in order to reproduce. It is a critically endangered species due to urban development and misuse of waterways.

Bog Turtle

Roughly the same size as the Appalachian elktoe, the bog turtle doesn’t get bigger than four and a half inches long. It is a critically endangered turtle in multiple states, including Tennessee, and is indeed the smallest turtle in North America. Requiring delicate mountain bog ecosystems in order to thrive, the bog turtle is threatened daily by habitat loss and pollutants.

It’s no secret that turtles can’t move very fast, and the bog turtle is no exception. Given its small size, the bog turtle needs a protected wetland ecosystem in order to mate, feed, and rest. Unfortunately, these delicate ecosystems are few and far between nowadays. This is especially true in Tennessee, where many mountainous bogs and wetlands have disappeared due to drought.

Finelined Pocketbook

Similar to the Appalachian elktoe, the finelined pocketbook is an endangered bivalve in Tennessee. Classified as either Hamiota altilis or Lampsilis altilis depending on the source, the finelined pocketbook may no longer have a stable population anywhere in the United States. It was once commonly found in river runoff areas of Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama. However, its current population numbers are unclear.

Gray Bat

Only a half-ounce in weight, the gray bat is an endangered animal in Tennessee. This tiny hibernator only survives in delicate cave ecosystems, of which only eight caves currently exist within the state of Tennessee. These habitats are in need of protection, both from urban development and the deadly White-nose Syndrome. This fungal infection is responsible for killing over 5 million bats in the United States. It has been found in dozens of counties in Tennessee.

Pygmy Madtom

Only found in the Clinch and Duck Rivers of Tennessee, the pygmy madtom is the smallest catfish in existence. Roughly an inch and a half in length, the pygmy madtom looks just like a tiny, tiny catfish! Given their small size and rarity, this little fish is critically endangered. Only 100 or so specimens have been recovered for research purposes, and they are very elusive. This fish is most threatened by polluted waterways and invasive fish species, including certain carp and other catfish.

Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel

While you can find northern flying squirrels in many places, the Carolina northern flying squirrel is incredibly rare. Only found flying among tall peaks in the Appalachian Mountain system, the Carolina northern flying squirrel is rarely seen by humans, given its nocturnal nature. Wildfires, logging development, and certain tree-eating bugs have caused the Carolina northern flying squirrel to be classified as an endangered animal in Tennessee.

7 Amazing Endangered Animals Living In Tennessee

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