ATHENS, Greece — A fan mussel found only in the Mediterranean was officially added to the list of critically endangered species, after scientists recorded a dramatic decline in its population numbers caused by a newly discovered pathogen. The International Union for Conservation of Nature said in a press release this week that its updated Red List includes the noble pen shell, or Pinna nobilis, the Mediterranean’s largest mollusk. The pen shell, which can grow to more than a meter (3 feet) tall, contributes to clear water by filtering out organic particulates. A protected species, the pen shell was already under pressure from pollution, illegal fishing, habitat loss, invasive species and climate change. Last year, when scientists discovered it had spread to Greek waters, they told The Associated Press the species was at risk of extinction.

Source: International New York Times December 13, 2019 16:52 UTC