CR

Microcondylaea bonellii

DecliningVUEUVUEU

Overview

Microcondylaea bonellii is a species of bivalve belonging to the family Unionidae. The species is endemic to South Europe.

Microcondylaea bonellii faces severe threats from water pollution and habitat degradation in its limited freshwater range. Dam construction and water extraction have altered natural flow regimes, while agricultural runoff and urban pollution have degraded water quality. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes, with entire populations at risk from single pollution events.

Threat summary

Habitat

This freshwater mussel inhabits clean, well-oxygenated rivers and streams with sandy or gravelly substrates. It requires stable water flow and good water quality to filter-feed effectively and complete its complex reproductive cycle.

Wetlands (inland)· major

Conservation measures underway

Habitat & natural process restorationSpecies managementSpecies recoveryEx-situ conservationAwareness & communicationsLegislation

Other threatened species in UNIONIDAE

VU

Brazzaea anceyi

Unknown
Lampsilis higginsiiEN

Lampsilis higginsii

Unknown
CR

Recovery Pearly Mussel

Elliptio nigella

Declining
EN

Triangle Pigtoe

Fusconaia lananensis

Declining

Threatened in Albania

VU

Lesser White-fronted Goose

Anser erythropus

Declining
Scarce BlackneckCR

Scarce Blackneck

Lygephila craccae

Unknown
Common Fire SalamanderVU

Common Fire Salamander

Salamandra salamandra

Declining
EN

Ohrigocea stankovici

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Microcondylaea bonellii classified as Critically Endangered?
Microcondylaea bonellii is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Microcondylaea bonellii faces severe threats from water pollution and habitat degradation in its limited freshwater range. Dam construction and water extraction have altered natural flow regimes, while agricultural runoff and urban pollution have degraded water quality. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes, with entire populations at risk from single pollution events.
Where does Microcondylaea bonellii live?
Microcondylaea bonellii occurs in Albania, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, and North Macedonia (plus 2 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Microcondylaea bonellii?
The main threats to Microcondylaea bonellii are 1.1, 7.2, 7.3, and 8.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.