VU

Elaphoidella kieferi

Unknown

Overview

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

Elaphoidella kieferi faces significant threats from groundwater extraction and pollution in its limited karst cave systems. The species' highly specialized habitat requirements make it extremely vulnerable to hydrological changes, as even minor alterations to water chemistry or flow patterns can eliminate entire populations. Urban development and agricultural intensification in the surrounding landscape pose additional risks through contamination of the groundwater systems that sustain these cave-dwelling copepods.

Threat summary

Habitat

Elaphoidella kieferi inhabits groundwater-fed cave systems and karst aquifers, typically found in limestone formations with stable water temperatures and specific chemical conditions. This stygobiotic copepod is restricted to subterranean freshwater environments where it occupies interstitial spaces and cave pools with minimal light penetration.

Other threatened species in CANTHOCAMPTIDAE

VU

Pseudomoraria triglavensis

Unknown
VU

Canthocamptus echinopyge

Unknown
VU

Ceuthonectes rouchi

Unknown
VU

Paramorariopsis anae

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Elaphoidella kieferi classified as Vulnerable?
Elaphoidella kieferi 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. Elaphoidella kieferi faces significant threats from groundwater extraction and pollution in its limited karst cave systems. The species' highly specialized habitat requirements make it extremely vulnerable to hydrological changes, as even minor alterations to water chemistry or flow patterns can eliminate entire populations. Urban development and agricultural intensification in the surrounding landscape pose additional risks through contamination of the groundwater systems that sustain these cave-dwelling copepods.
Where does Elaphoidella kieferi live?
Elaphoidella kieferi occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Elaphoidella kieferi?
The main threats to Elaphoidella kieferi 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.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.