VU

Harpagoxenus zaisanicus

Unknown

Overview

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

Harpagoxenus zaisanicus faces significant threats from habitat degradation in its limited Central Asian range. Agricultural expansion and livestock grazing pressure are fragmenting the steppe and semi-desert environments this specialized slave-making ant requires. Climate change poses additional risks by altering precipitation patterns and temperature regimes that affect both the species and its host ant colonies. The species' parasitic lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable as threats to host ant populations directly impact H. zaisanicus survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

Harpagoxenus zaisanicus inhabits dry steppe and semi-desert regions of Central Asia, particularly in Kazakhstan and surrounding areas. This slave-making ant species requires specific microhabitats that support both its own colonies and the host ant species it parasitizes.

Other threatened species in FORMICIDAE

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Metalasius myrmidon

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Leptothorax buschingeri

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Leptothorax duloticus

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Manica parasitica

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Harpagoxenus zaisanicus classified as Vulnerable?
Harpagoxenus zaisanicus 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. Harpagoxenus zaisanicus faces significant threats from habitat degradation in its limited Central Asian range. Agricultural expansion and livestock grazing pressure are fragmenting the steppe and semi-desert environments this specialized slave-making ant requires. Climate change poses additional risks by altering precipitation patterns and temperature regimes that affect both the species and its host ant colonies. The species' parasitic lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable as threats to host ant populations directly impact H. zaisanicus survival.
Where does Harpagoxenus zaisanicus live?
Harpagoxenus zaisanicus 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 Harpagoxenus zaisanicus?
The main threats to Harpagoxenus zaisanicus 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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