EN

Gold Nugget Patwa

Mazarunia pala

Unknown

Overview

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

Mazarunia pala faces severe pressure from gold mining activities that contaminate its freshwater habitats with mercury and sediments. Deforestation for agriculture and logging has degraded the riparian forests essential for maintaining water quality in its limited range. The species' restricted distribution in the Mazaruni River basin makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes.

Threat summary

Habitat

This freshwater fish inhabits clear, fast-flowing streams and tributaries within the Mazaruni River system in Guyana's interior highlands. It requires well-oxygenated waters with rocky substrates and intact forest canopy cover that maintains stable water temperatures and quality.

Wetlands (inland)· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent rivers/streams· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recovery

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Gold Nugget Patwa classified as Endangered?
Gold Nugget Patwa 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. Mazarunia pala faces severe pressure from gold mining activities that contaminate its freshwater habitats with mercury and sediments. Deforestation for agriculture and logging has degraded the riparian forests essential for maintaining water quality in its limited range. The species' restricted distribution in the Mazaruni River basin makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes.
Where does Gold Nugget Patwa live?
Gold Nugget Patwa occurs in Guyana. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Gold Nugget Patwa?
The main threats to Gold Nugget Patwa 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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