CR

Cambarus subterraneus

Unknown

Overview

Cambarus subterraneus, the Delaware County cave crayfish, is a species of crayfish in the family Cambaridae. It has been found only in three caves in Delaware County, Oklahoma.

Cambarus subterraneus faces severe threats from groundwater contamination and habitat degradation within its extremely limited cave system range. Agricultural runoff, urban development, and industrial activities in the surface watershed directly impact the delicate groundwater chemistry essential for this species' survival. The species' restriction to specific cave environments makes it particularly vulnerable to any changes in water quality or flow patterns.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits underground cave systems and associated groundwater environments in limestone karst regions. It requires pristine groundwater conditions with specific temperature, oxygen, and chemical parameters found only in undisturbed subterranean aquatic habitats.

Caves and subterranean habitats· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recovery

Other threatened species in CAMBARIDAE

VU

Crescent Crayfish

Orconectes taylori

Unknown
CR

Cambarellus prolixus

Unknown
CR

Cambarellus areolatus

Unknown
CR

Procambarus catemacoensis

Unknown

Threatened in United States

VU

Lepiota echinella

Unknown
VU

Paddlefish

Polyodon spathula

Unknown
VU

Copper Shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus

Declining
EN

Lyophyllum deliberatum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Cambarus subterraneus classified as Critically Endangered?
Cambarus subterraneus 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. Cambarus subterraneus faces severe threats from groundwater contamination and habitat degradation within its extremely limited cave system range. Agricultural runoff, urban development, and industrial activities in the surface watershed directly impact the delicate groundwater chemistry essential for this species' survival. The species' restriction to specific cave environments makes it particularly vulnerable to any changes in water quality or flow patterns.
Where does Cambarus subterraneus live?
Cambarus subterraneus 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 Cambarus subterraneus?
The main threats to Cambarus subterraneus are 5.3, 9.3.4, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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