VU

Hypsolebias alternatus

Unknown

Overview

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

Hypsolebias alternatus faces severe threats from habitat destruction as its temporary pool habitats in the Brazilian Cerrado are converted to agriculture and urban development. The species' dependence on seasonal rainfall patterns makes it particularly vulnerable to climate change and drought, which can eliminate breeding pools entirely. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and cattle ranching further degrades the quality of remaining temporary wetlands essential for reproduction.

Threat summary

Habitat

This annual killifish inhabits temporary pools and seasonal wetlands in the Brazilian Cerrado savanna, particularly in areas that flood during the rainy season and dry completely during drought periods. The species requires shallow, vegetated pools with specific water chemistry conditions for successful reproduction and egg development.

Conservation measures underway

Ex-situ conservation

Other threatened species in RIVULIDAE

EN

Flame Rivulus

Cynodonichthys uroflammeus

Unknown
CR

Campellolebias brucei

Unknown
CR

Hypsolebias gilbertobrasili

Unknown
CR

Kryptolebias campelloi

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Hypsolebias alternatus classified as Vulnerable?
Hypsolebias alternatus 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. Hypsolebias alternatus faces severe threats from habitat destruction as its temporary pool habitats in the Brazilian Cerrado are converted to agriculture and urban development. The species' dependence on seasonal rainfall patterns makes it particularly vulnerable to climate change and drought, which can eliminate breeding pools entirely. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and cattle ranching further degrades the quality of remaining temporary wetlands essential for reproduction.
Where does Hypsolebias alternatus live?
Hypsolebias alternatus 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 Hypsolebias alternatus?
The main threats to Hypsolebias alternatus 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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