CR

Betta pinguis

Declining

Overview

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

Betta pinguis faces severe threats from rapid deforestation and agricultural expansion across its limited range in Peninsular Malaysia. The species' dependence on pristine forest streams makes it extremely vulnerable to habitat degradation from palm oil plantations and urban development. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and sedimentation from logging activities further compromise the clear, acidic waters this species requires for survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

Betta pinguis inhabits shallow, slow-moving forest streams and swampy areas within primary and secondary lowland forests of Peninsular Malaysia. The species requires clear, soft, acidic waters with dense aquatic vegetation and leaf litter substrates typical of Southeast Asian tropical forest ecosystems.

Forest· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent rivers/streams· majorWetlands (inland) - Bogs, marshes, swamps, fens· major

Conservation measures underway

Resource & habitat protectionSpecies managementSpecies recoveryAwareness & communications

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Betta pinguis classified as Critically Endangered?
Betta pinguis 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. Betta pinguis faces severe threats from rapid deforestation and agricultural expansion across its limited range in Peninsular Malaysia. The species' dependence on pristine forest streams makes it extremely vulnerable to habitat degradation from palm oil plantations and urban development. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and sedimentation from logging activities further compromise the clear, acidic waters this species requires for survival.
Where does Betta pinguis live?
Betta pinguis occurs in Indonesia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Betta pinguis?
The main threats to Betta pinguis are 3.2, 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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