CR

Kapcypridopsis barnardi

Unknown

Overview

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

Kapcypridopsis barnardi faces severe threats from groundwater extraction and pollution in its limited range within South Africa's Western Cape Province. The species' dependence on specific groundwater chemistry makes it extremely vulnerable to agricultural runoff and urban development that alter water quality. Climate change poses an additional threat through potential shifts in groundwater levels and temperature regimes in its cave and spring habitats.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic ostracod inhabits groundwater systems, caves, and springs in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The species requires specific water chemistry conditions and is restricted to subterranean aquatic environments with stable temperatures and mineral compositions.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Kapcypridopsis barnardi classified as Critically Endangered?
Kapcypridopsis barnardi 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. Kapcypridopsis barnardi faces severe threats from groundwater extraction and pollution in its limited range within South Africa's Western Cape Province. The species' dependence on specific groundwater chemistry makes it extremely vulnerable to agricultural runoff and urban development that alter water quality. Climate change poses an additional threat through potential shifts in groundwater levels and temperature regimes in its cave and spring habitats.
Where does Kapcypridopsis barnardi live?
Kapcypridopsis barnardi 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 Kapcypridopsis barnardi?
The main threats to Kapcypridopsis barnardi 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.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.