Salvelinus japonicus
EN

Salvelinus japonicus

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirikuchi_char

Overview

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

Salvelinus japonicus faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat degradation from dam construction and river channelization throughout its native Japanese range. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development has compromised water quality in critical spawning areas. Climate change is altering water temperatures and flow patterns in the cold-water streams this species requires, while introduced non-native fish species compete for resources and hybridize with native populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Japanese char inhabits cold, clear mountain streams and alpine lakes at elevations typically between 500-2000 meters. The species requires well-oxygenated waters with rocky substrates for spawning and prefers areas with overhanging vegetation that provide cover and insect prey.

FRESHWATER· major

Other threatened species in SALMONIDAE

VU

Coregonus subautumnalis

Declining
VU

Bourget Whitefish

Coregonus lavaretus

Unknown
VU

Fatio's Whitefish

Coregonus fatioi

Unknown
VU

Sempach Whitefish

Coregonus suidteri

Unknown

Threatened in Japan

Acropora hemprichiiEN

Acropora hemprichii

Declining
VU

Copper Shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus

Declining
Horned GrebeVU

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

Declining
EN

Montipora taiwanensis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Salvelinus japonicus classified as Endangered?
Salvelinus japonicus 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. Salvelinus japonicus faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat degradation from dam construction and river channelization throughout its native Japanese range. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development has compromised water quality in critical spawning areas. Climate change is altering water temperatures and flow patterns in the cold-water streams this species requires, while introduced non-native fish species compete for resources and hybridize with native populations.
Where does Salvelinus japonicus live?
Salvelinus japonicus occurs in Japan. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Salvelinus japonicus?
The main threats to Salvelinus japonicus 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.