Branchinecta mexicana
CR

Branchinecta mexicana

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Branchinecta_mexicana

Overview

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

Branchinecta mexicana faces severe threats from habitat destruction as its ephemeral pool habitats in central Mexico are increasingly converted for agriculture and urban development. The species' dependence on temporary water bodies makes it extremely vulnerable to altered precipitation patterns and extended drought periods associated with climate change. Water extraction for human use and livestock has reduced the availability and duration of the seasonal pools essential for this fairy shrimp's reproductive cycle.

Threat summary

Habitat

Branchinecta mexicana inhabits temporary freshwater pools and seasonal wetlands in the high-altitude regions of central Mexico. These ephemeral aquatic habitats typically form during rainy seasons in grasslands and agricultural areas, providing the specific conditions required for the species' unique life cycle.

FRESHWATER· major

Other threatened species in BRANCHINECTIDAE

Branchinecta lynchiVU

Branchinecta lynchi

Unknown
Branchinecta sandiegonensisEN

Branchinecta sandiegonensis

Unknown
Branchinecta conservatioEN

Branchinecta conservatio

Unknown
EN

Branchinecta longiantenna

Unknown

Threatened in Mexico

EN

Turbinicarpus horripilus

Declining
CR

Turbinicarpus mandragora

Declining
EN

Opuntia pachyrrhiza

Declining
EN

Arachnothryx tacanensis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Branchinecta mexicana classified as Critically Endangered?
Branchinecta mexicana is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Branchinecta mexicana faces severe threats from habitat destruction as its ephemeral pool habitats in central Mexico are increasingly converted for agriculture and urban development. The species' dependence on temporary water bodies makes it extremely vulnerable to altered precipitation patterns and extended drought periods associated with climate change. Water extraction for human use and livestock has reduced the availability and duration of the seasonal pools essential for this fairy shrimp's reproductive cycle.
Where does Branchinecta mexicana live?
Branchinecta mexicana occurs in Mexico. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Branchinecta mexicana?
The main threats to Branchinecta mexicana are 1.1, ai-1, ai-2, and ai-3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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