VU

Metadiaptomus purcelli

Unknown

Overview

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

Metadiaptomus purcelli faces severe threats from habitat degradation and water quality deterioration in its limited South African range. Urban development, agricultural runoff, and industrial pollution have contaminated many of the temporary rock pools and seasonal wetlands where this endemic copepod reproduces. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that affect the timing and duration of pool formation, disrupting the species' synchronized breeding cycles.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic South African copepod inhabits temporary rock pools, seasonal pans, and ephemeral wetlands in the Western Cape region. The species requires specific water chemistry conditions and depends on predictable wet-dry cycles for successful reproduction and development.

Other threatened species in DIAPTOMIDAE

VU

Mastigodiaptomus purpureus

Unknown
VU

Notodiaptomus dubius

Unknown
VU

Paradiaptomus natalensis

Unknown
VU

Arctodiaptomus euacanthus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Metadiaptomus purcelli classified as Vulnerable?
Metadiaptomus purcelli 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. Metadiaptomus purcelli faces severe threats from habitat degradation and water quality deterioration in its limited South African range. Urban development, agricultural runoff, and industrial pollution have contaminated many of the temporary rock pools and seasonal wetlands where this endemic copepod reproduces. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that affect the timing and duration of pool formation, disrupting the species' synchronized breeding cycles.
Where does Metadiaptomus purcelli live?
Metadiaptomus purcelli 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 Metadiaptomus purcelli?
The main threats to Metadiaptomus purcelli 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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