VU

Epischurella baikalensis

Unknown

Overview

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

Epischurella baikalensis faces mounting pressure from Lake Baikal's changing thermal regime, as this endemic copepod depends on specific temperature conditions for reproduction and development. Industrial pollution from surrounding settlements and agricultural runoff introduce contaminants that disrupt the lake's pristine ecosystem chemistry. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the lake's seasonal ice cover patterns and deep-water circulation, potentially disrupting the species' vertical migration behaviors and food web dynamics.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic copepod inhabits the pelagic waters of Lake Baikal, primarily in the upper water column where it performs daily vertical migrations. The species requires the lake's unique oligotrophic conditions and depends on the stable, oxygen-rich environment that characterizes Baikal's ancient ecosystem.

Wetlands (inland) - Permanent freshwater lakes· major

Frequently asked questions

Why is Epischurella baikalensis classified as Vulnerable?
Epischurella baikalensis 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. Epischurella baikalensis faces mounting pressure from Lake Baikal's changing thermal regime, as this endemic copepod depends on specific temperature conditions for reproduction and development. Industrial pollution from surrounding settlements and agricultural runoff introduce contaminants that disrupt the lake's pristine ecosystem chemistry. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the lake's seasonal ice cover patterns and deep-water circulation, potentially disrupting the species' vertical migration behaviors and food web dynamics.
Where does Epischurella baikalensis live?
Epischurella baikalensis 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 Epischurella baikalensis?
The main threats to Epischurella baikalensis 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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