A FRESHWATER mussel which lives in the River Lune is facing extinction claim conservationists.

The pearl mussel, which can live to 100 years old, lives in a colony on the Lune riverbed but they have produced no young for the last 40 years and risks dying out.

A biodiversity action plan is being drawn up to try and save it and project Officer for the Wildlife Trust, Tony Serjeant, said: "The freshwater pearl mussel is destined for extinction unless a way of conserving it is found. Its needs are very exacting and nationally it has been hit hard by a combination of factors including a decline in salmon and trout, illegal pearl fishing, pollution and river engineering works."

Mr Serjeant believes the main reason for the decline in pearl mussel population is their complex lifestyles. Males and females live apart and when larvae hatch out, some latch on to passing salmon and trout, where they live in the gills as parasites before dropping off onto a suitable stretch of riverbed.

He added: "With all these circumstances being essential for the survival of the pearl mussels, the odds are not stacked in their favour. However, they have been present since pre-Roman times and it is said that one of the reasons for Caesar invading was due to the once abundant pearls.

"With so much history, it seems a shame to let them die out now."

An action plan has been drawn up to monitor the colony in the Lune and, although their situation looks precarious, it is hoped they may just stand a chance if conditions are kept as favourable as possible.