These rare freshwater mussels can live to 280 years and play a vital role in moderating river flow. Once almost hunted to extinction, they are now threatened because the clean, pebbly rivers they live in are disappearing. Read more in the Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/29/specieswatch-freshwater-pearl-mussel-is-threatened-by-disappearing-habitat