EN

Melanopsis etrusca

DecliningENEUENEU

Overview

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

Melanopsis etrusca faces severe population declines primarily due to water abstraction and pollution in its freshwater habitats across central Italy. Dam construction and river channelization have fragmented populations and altered natural flow regimes essential for this gastropod's reproduction. Agricultural runoff and urban pollution further degrade water quality in the springs and streams where remaining populations persist.

Threat summary

Habitat

This freshwater gastropod inhabits springs, streams, and small rivers in central Italy, particularly in limestone regions with calcium-rich waters. It requires clean, well-oxygenated freshwater environments with stable flow regimes and rocky or sandy substrates.

Other threatened species in MELANOPSIDAE

CR

Melanopsis chlorotica

Unknown
VU

Melanopsis subgraellsiana

Unknown
EN

Melanopsis magnifica

Unknown
EN

Melanopsis mourebeyensis

Unknown

Threatened in Italy

VU

Lepiota echinella

Unknown
EN

Lyophyllum deliberatum

Unknown
VU

Arum apulum

Declining
EN

Pipizella nigriana

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Melanopsis etrusca classified as Endangered?
Melanopsis etrusca 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. Melanopsis etrusca faces severe population declines primarily due to water abstraction and pollution in its freshwater habitats across central Italy. Dam construction and river channelization have fragmented populations and altered natural flow regimes essential for this gastropod's reproduction. Agricultural runoff and urban pollution further degrade water quality in the springs and streams where remaining populations persist.
Where does Melanopsis etrusca live?
Melanopsis etrusca occurs in Italy. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Melanopsis etrusca?
The main threats to Melanopsis etrusca 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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