EN

Dendrocephalus alachua

Unknown

Overview

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

Dendrocephalus alachua faces severe threats from the destruction and degradation of its ephemeral wetland habitats across Florida. Urban development, agricultural conversion, and altered hydrology have eliminated many of the temporary pools essential for this fairy shrimp's reproduction. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns that determine pool formation and duration. The species' restricted range and specialized habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to continued habitat fragmentation.

Threat summary

Habitat

This fairy shrimp inhabits temporary freshwater pools, ponds, and wetlands that fill seasonally with rainwater across north-central Florida. These ephemeral aquatic habitats typically dry completely during certain periods of the year, creating the specific conditions required for the species' drought-resistant egg stage.

Other threatened species in THAMNOCEPHALIDAE

VU

Branchinella denticulata

Unknown
VU

Branchinella wellardi

Unknown
VU

Branchinella simplex

Unknown
VU

Branchinella apophysata

Unknown

Threatened in United States

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
VU

Paddlefish

Polyodon spathula

Unknown
EN

Polystachya longiscapa

Unknown
VU

Actinopyga miliaris

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Dendrocephalus alachua classified as Endangered?
Dendrocephalus alachua is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Dendrocephalus alachua faces severe threats from the destruction and degradation of its ephemeral wetland habitats across Florida. Urban development, agricultural conversion, and altered hydrology have eliminated many of the temporary pools essential for this fairy shrimp's reproduction. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns that determine pool formation and duration. The species' restricted range and specialized habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to continued habitat fragmentation.
Where does Dendrocephalus alachua live?
Dendrocephalus alachua 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 Dendrocephalus alachua?
The main threats to Dendrocephalus alachua 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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