Stygobromus mackenziei
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Stygobromus mackenziei faces significant threats from groundwater contamination and aquifer depletion due to agricultural runoff and urban development in its limited range. The species' obligate dependence on pristine groundwater systems makes it extremely vulnerable to pollution from pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial chemicals that can persist in aquifer systems for decades. Water table lowering from excessive groundwater pumping poses an additional critical threat to this cave-dwelling amphipod's survival.
Habitat
This species inhabits groundwater systems and cave environments, specifically dwelling in subterranean aquifers and underground water bodies. It is restricted to pristine groundwater habitats with stable water chemistry and temperature conditions typical of deep cave systems.
