CR

Heminoemacheilus hyalinus

Declining

Overview

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

Heminoemacheilus hyalinus faces severe threats from habitat degradation in its restricted range within the Western Ghats of India. Dam construction and water diversion projects have altered natural flow regimes in the streams where this loach occurs. Agricultural runoff and domestic pollution have degraded water quality in its freshwater habitats. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes.

Threat summary

Habitat

This freshwater loach inhabits clear, fast-flowing streams and rivers in the Western Ghats mountain range of southwestern India. It typically occurs in rocky substrates with good water flow and high dissolved oxygen levels.

Conservation measures underway

Species recovery

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Heminoemacheilus hyalinus classified as Critically Endangered?
Heminoemacheilus hyalinus 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. Heminoemacheilus hyalinus faces severe threats from habitat degradation in its restricted range within the Western Ghats of India. Dam construction and water diversion projects have altered natural flow regimes in the streams where this loach occurs. Agricultural runoff and domestic pollution have degraded water quality in its freshwater habitats. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes.
Where does Heminoemacheilus hyalinus live?
Heminoemacheilus hyalinus occurs in China. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Heminoemacheilus hyalinus?
The main threats to Heminoemacheilus hyalinus 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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