EN

Hypsolebias hellneri

Declining

Overview

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

Hypsolebias hellneri faces severe threats from habitat destruction as its temporary pool habitats in the Caatinga are increasingly converted for agriculture and urban development. The species' dependence on seasonal rainfall patterns makes it particularly vulnerable to climate change and prolonged droughts that can eliminate breeding pools. Water extraction for irrigation and livestock further reduces the availability of suitable breeding sites in this semi-arid region.

Threat summary

Habitat

This annual killifish inhabits temporary pools and seasonal wetlands in the Caatinga dry forest of northeastern Brazil. The species depends on ephemeral water bodies that form during the rainy season in shallow depressions and temporary streams.

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 hellneri classified as Endangered?
Hypsolebias hellneri is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Hypsolebias hellneri faces severe threats from habitat destruction as its temporary pool habitats in the Caatinga are increasingly converted for agriculture and urban development. The species' dependence on seasonal rainfall patterns makes it particularly vulnerable to climate change and prolonged droughts that can eliminate breeding pools. Water extraction for irrigation and livestock further reduces the availability of suitable breeding sites in this semi-arid region.
Where does Hypsolebias hellneri live?
Hypsolebias hellneri 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 hellneri?
The main threats to Hypsolebias hellneri 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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