Grundschwimmer
VU

Grundschwimmer

Laccophilus minutus

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laccophilus_minutus

Overview

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

The Grundschwimmer faces severe pressure from agricultural intensification and wetland drainage across its European range. Pollution from agricultural runoff, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus compounds, degrades water quality in the shallow ponds and temporary pools essential for its survival. Climate change exacerbates these threats by altering precipitation patterns, leading to earlier drying of breeding habitats and disrupting the species' reproductive cycle.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Grundschwimmer inhabits shallow, temporary pools, small ponds, and slow-flowing streams with abundant aquatic vegetation. It particularly favors ephemeral wetlands that dry seasonally, as well as agricultural ditches and small water bodies in lowland areas across Europe.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Grundschwimmer classified as Vulnerable?
Grundschwimmer 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. The Grundschwimmer faces severe pressure from agricultural intensification and wetland drainage across its European range. Pollution from agricultural runoff, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus compounds, degrades water quality in the shallow ponds and temporary pools essential for its survival. Climate change exacerbates these threats by altering precipitation patterns, leading to earlier drying of breeding habitats and disrupting the species' reproductive cycle.
Where does Grundschwimmer live?
Grundschwimmer occurs in Åland Islands, Albania, Algeria, Austria, Belarus, and Belgium (plus 35 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Grundschwimmer?
The main threats to Grundschwimmer 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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