VU

Metacyclops postojnae

Unknown

Overview

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

Metacyclops postojnae faces severe threats from groundwater pollution and cave system disturbance in its highly restricted karst habitat. The species' dependence on pristine cave waters makes it extremely vulnerable to contamination from agricultural runoff and urban development in the surrounding catchment areas. Tourism pressure and cave modification activities pose additional risks to the delicate hydrological balance of its subterranean ecosystem.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic copepod inhabits the pristine groundwater systems and cave pools of the Dinaric karst region in Slovenia. It requires stable, unpolluted subterranean waters with specific temperature and chemical conditions found only in deep cave environments.

Other threatened species in CYCLOPIDAE

VU

Mesocyclops insulensis

Unknown
VU

Tropocyclops federensis

Unknown
VU

Metacyclops gasparoi

Unknown
VU

Tropocyclops nananae

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Metacyclops postojnae classified as Vulnerable?
Metacyclops postojnae 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 postojnae faces severe threats from groundwater pollution and cave system disturbance in its highly restricted karst habitat. The species' dependence on pristine cave waters makes it extremely vulnerable to contamination from agricultural runoff and urban development in the surrounding catchment areas. Tourism pressure and cave modification activities pose additional risks to the delicate hydrological balance of its subterranean ecosystem.
Where does Metacyclops postojnae live?
Metacyclops postojnae 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 postojnae?
The main threats to Metacyclops postojnae 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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