VU

Mexistenasellus nulemex

Unknown

Overview

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

Mexistenasellus nulemex faces severe threats from groundwater depletion and contamination in its limited cave habitat range in New Mexico. Urban development and agricultural activities above the cave systems pose risks through altered hydrology and potential chemical runoff. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to any disturbance of its specialized subterranean aquatic environment.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic isopod inhabits groundwater-fed pools and streams within limestone cave systems in New Mexico. It requires stable, cool water temperatures and high water quality typical of pristine subterranean aquatic environments.

FRESHWATER· major

Other threatened species in STENASELLIDAE

VU

Mexistenasellus wilkensi

Unknown
VU

Mexistenasellus parzefalli

Unknown
EN

Mexistenasellus coahuila

Unknown

Threatened in Mexico

EN

Turbinicarpus horripilus

Declining
CR

Turbinicarpus mandragora

Declining
EN

Opuntia pachyrrhiza

Declining
EN

Arachnothryx tacanensis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Mexistenasellus nulemex classified as Vulnerable?
Mexistenasellus nulemex 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. Mexistenasellus nulemex faces severe threats from groundwater depletion and contamination in its limited cave habitat range in New Mexico. Urban development and agricultural activities above the cave systems pose risks through altered hydrology and potential chemical runoff. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to any disturbance of its specialized subterranean aquatic environment.
Where does Mexistenasellus nulemex live?
Mexistenasellus nulemex occurs in Mexico. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Mexistenasellus nulemex?
The main threats to Mexistenasellus nulemex 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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