VU

Melanorivulus kunzei

Unknown

Overview

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

Melanorivulus kunzei faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching activities that degrade and fragment its freshwater habitats in the Cerrado savanna. Urban development and water extraction for irrigation further reduce available breeding pools and streams. The species' restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized habitat destruction and water pollution from agricultural runoff.

Threat summary

Habitat

This killifish inhabits small freshwater streams, temporary pools, and shallow wetlands within the Brazilian Cerrado savanna ecosystem. It typically occurs in areas with slow-moving or standing water surrounded by grassland and gallery forest vegetation.

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EN

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Melanorivulus kunzei classified as Vulnerable?
Melanorivulus kunzei is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Melanorivulus kunzei faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching activities that degrade and fragment its freshwater habitats in the Cerrado savanna. Urban development and water extraction for irrigation further reduce available breeding pools and streams. The species' restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized habitat destruction and water pollution from agricultural runoff.
Where does Melanorivulus kunzei live?
Melanorivulus kunzei 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 Melanorivulus kunzei?
The main threats to Melanorivulus kunzei 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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