VU

Muricea austera

Unknown

Overview

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

Muricea austera faces significant pressure from coastal development and tourism infrastructure along the Eastern Pacific coastline, which destroys critical shallow-water rocky reef habitats. Ocean warming and acidification associated with climate change threaten the species' calcium carbonate skeleton formation and overall colony health. Pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development introduces excess nutrients and sediments that can smother colonies and alter water chemistry in nearshore environments.

Threat summary

Habitat

Muricea austera inhabits shallow rocky reefs and hard substrates in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, typically found at depths of 5-30 meters in areas with moderate to strong water currents. The species requires clear, well-oxygenated waters and forms colonies on exposed rock faces and reef structures along the continental shelf.

MARINE· major

Other threatened species in Plexauridae

VU

Muricea crassa

Unknown

Threatened in Costa Rica

Curlew SandpiperVU

Curlew Sandpiper

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
EN

Palicourea brenesii

Unknown
VU

Pentagonia osaensis

Unknown
EN

Passiflora chimuensis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Muricea austera classified as Vulnerable?
Muricea austera 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. Muricea austera faces significant pressure from coastal development and tourism infrastructure along the Eastern Pacific coastline, which destroys critical shallow-water rocky reef habitats. Ocean warming and acidification associated with climate change threaten the species' calcium carbonate skeleton formation and overall colony health. Pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development introduces excess nutrients and sediments that can smother colonies and alter water chemistry in nearshore environments.
Where does Muricea austera live?
Muricea austera occurs in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, and Panama. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Muricea austera?
The main threats to Muricea austera 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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