gotlandsknagglav
CR

gotlandsknagglav

Porpidinia tumidula

Unknown

Photo: Photo: (c) María José Chesa Marro, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by María José Chesa Marro

Overview

The gotlandsknagglav (Porpidinia tumidula) is a small, distinctive marine gastropod endemic to the Baltic Sea region, characterized by its translucent shell with prominent ridged knobs and pale blue-green coloration. This specialized mollusk plays a crucial role in its ecosystem as both a grazer of microscopic algae and biofilms, and as a key food source for various fish species and seabirds.

Porpidinia tumidula faces severe population decline due to habitat destruction from coastal development and pollution in its limited range around Gotland and the Baltic Sea region. Climate change-induced alterations to marine ecosystems and overfishing of prey species have further compromised the species' survival prospects.

Threat summary

Habitat

Inhabits shallow coastal waters, rocky intertidal zones, and kelp forests around limestone cliffs and coastal areas of Gotland and adjacent Baltic Sea regions. Requires clean, well-oxygenated waters with abundant algae and small invertebrate prey.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Frequently asked questions

Why is gotlandsknagglav classified as Critically Endangered?
gotlandsknagglav 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. Porpidinia tumidula faces severe population decline due to habitat destruction from coastal development and pollution in its limited range around Gotland and the Baltic Sea region. Climate change-induced alterations to marine ecosystems and overfishing of prey species have further compromised the species' survival prospects.
Where does gotlandsknagglav live?
gotlandsknagglav 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 gotlandsknagglav?
The main threats to gotlandsknagglav 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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