VU

Metacyclops gasparoi

Unknown

Overview

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

Metacyclops gasparoi faces significant threats from groundwater contamination and over-extraction in its limited range within Italian cave systems. The species' highly specialized habitat requirements make it extremely vulnerable to hydrological changes, including altered water chemistry from agricultural runoff and industrial pollutants. Urban development and quarrying activities in the karst regions where this copepod occurs pose additional risks through direct habitat destruction and groundwater flow disruption.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic copepod inhabits groundwater systems and cave pools within the karst landscapes of northern Italy. The species is restricted to specific hydrological conditions in subterranean freshwater environments, particularly in limestone cave systems with stable water chemistry and temperature.

Other threatened species in CYCLOPIDAE

VU

Metacyclops postojnae

Unknown
VU

Mesocyclops insulensis

Unknown
VU

Tropocyclops federensis

Unknown
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Tropocyclops nananae

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Metacyclops gasparoi classified as Vulnerable?
Metacyclops gasparoi 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. Metacyclops gasparoi faces significant threats from groundwater contamination and over-extraction in its limited range within Italian cave systems. The species' highly specialized habitat requirements make it extremely vulnerable to hydrological changes, including altered water chemistry from agricultural runoff and industrial pollutants. Urban development and quarrying activities in the karst regions where this copepod occurs pose additional risks through direct habitat destruction and groundwater flow disruption.
Where does Metacyclops gasparoi live?
Metacyclops gasparoi 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 Metacyclops gasparoi?
The main threats to Metacyclops gasparoi 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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