Megalagrion leptodemas
CR

Megalagrion leptodemas

Declining

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

Overview

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

Megalagrion leptodemas faces severe threats from habitat destruction as native Hawaiian stream ecosystems are degraded by invasive plant species and altered hydrology. The introduction of non-native fish species has disrupted aquatic food webs that this endemic damselfly depends upon. Urban development and agricultural expansion continue to fragment and eliminate the pristine stream habitats essential for its survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Hawaiian damselfly inhabits pristine freshwater streams and associated riparian vegetation in native forest ecosystems. It requires clean, flowing water with specific temperature and oxygen conditions found only in undisturbed montane stream environments.

Wetlands (inland) - Permanent rivers/streams· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Megalagrion leptodemas classified as Critically Endangered?
Megalagrion leptodemas 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. Megalagrion leptodemas faces severe threats from habitat destruction as native Hawaiian stream ecosystems are degraded by invasive plant species and altered hydrology. The introduction of non-native fish species has disrupted aquatic food webs that this endemic damselfly depends upon. Urban development and agricultural expansion continue to fragment and eliminate the pristine stream habitats essential for its survival.
Where does Megalagrion leptodemas live?
Megalagrion leptodemas occurs in United States. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Megalagrion leptodemas?
The main threats to Megalagrion leptodemas are 8.1, 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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