Brook Lamprey
VU

Brook Lamprey

Lampetra planeri

UnknownLCEULCEU

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

Overview

The brook lamprey, also known as the European brook lamprey and the western brook lamprey is a small European lamprey species that exclusively inhabits freshwater environments. The species is related to, but distinct from, the North American western brook lamprey.

Brook Lamprey faces significant threats from habitat degradation and water quality deterioration across its European range. River channelization, pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development, and dam construction have fragmented populations and reduced suitable spawning and nursery habitats, making this species vulnerable to further decline.

Threat summary

Habitat

Brook Lamprey inhabits clean, well-oxygenated freshwater streams and rivers with sandy or gravelly substrates across Europe. Larvae require soft sediments for burrowing while adults need access to suitable spawning areas with clean gravel beds in flowing water.

FRESHWATER· major

Other threatened species in Petromyzontidae

European river lamprey, River LampreyVU

European river lamprey, River Lamprey

Lampetra fluviatilis

Unknown
Lake LampreyEN

Lake Lamprey

Entosphenus macrostomus

Unknown
SuckerCR

Sucker

Petromyzon marinus

Unknown

Threatened in Austria

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
Anthophore estivaleCR

Anthophore estivale

Anthophora aestivalis

Unknown
Adonis BlueVU

Adonis Blue

Lysandra bellargus

Unknown
agnhodeedderkoppCR

agnhodeedderkopp

Walckenaeria alticeps

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Brook Lamprey classified as Vulnerable?
Brook Lamprey 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. Brook Lamprey faces significant threats from habitat degradation and water quality deterioration across its European range. River channelization, pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development, and dam construction have fragmented populations and reduced suitable spawning and nursery habitats, making this species vulnerable to further decline.
Where does Brook Lamprey live?
Brook Lamprey occurs in Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czechia, Denmark, and Estonia (plus 24 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Brook Lamprey?
The main threats to Brook Lamprey 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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