VU

Acanthocyclops hypogeus

Unknown

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Acanthocyclops hypogeus faces severe threats from groundwater extraction and pollution in its limited cave and groundwater habitats. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to hydrological changes that alter water chemistry or reduce water levels in its subterranean environment. Agricultural runoff and urban development in surface areas above its habitat pose additional contamination risks to the delicate groundwater ecosystems this copepod depends upon.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits subterranean freshwater environments including cave pools, groundwater systems, and hyporheic zones. It is adapted to the stable, low-light conditions of underground aquatic ecosystems with specific water chemistry requirements.

Other threatened species in CYCLOPIDAE

VU

Tropocyclops federensis

Unknown
VU

Metacyclops gasparoi

Unknown
VU

Tropocyclops nananae

Unknown
VU

Metacyclops postojnae

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Acanthocyclops hypogeus classified as Vulnerable?
Acanthocyclops hypogeus is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Acanthocyclops hypogeus faces severe threats from groundwater extraction and pollution in its limited cave and groundwater habitats. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to hydrological changes that alter water chemistry or reduce water levels in its subterranean environment. Agricultural runoff and urban development in surface areas above its habitat pose additional contamination risks to the delicate groundwater ecosystems this copepod depends upon.
Where does Acanthocyclops hypogeus live?
Acanthocyclops hypogeus occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Acanthocyclops hypogeus?
The main threats to Acanthocyclops hypogeus are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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