CR

Geothelphusa lanyu

Unknown

Overview

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

Geothelphusa lanyu faces severe threats from its extremely restricted range on Lanyu Island, Taiwan, where habitat degradation from tourism development and infrastructure expansion directly impacts its freshwater stream environments. The species' endemic status makes it particularly vulnerable to local environmental changes, with pollution from increased human activity and potential climate-induced alterations to stream flow patterns posing additional risks to the remaining population.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic freshwater crab inhabits clean mountain streams and associated riparian areas on Lanyu Island (Orchid Island), Taiwan. The species requires well-oxygenated flowing water with rocky substrates and depends on the island's limited freshwater ecosystems.

FRESHWATER· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protection

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Geothelphusa lanyu classified as Critically Endangered?
Geothelphusa lanyu 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. Geothelphusa lanyu faces severe threats from its extremely restricted range on Lanyu Island, Taiwan, where habitat degradation from tourism development and infrastructure expansion directly impacts its freshwater stream environments. The species' endemic status makes it particularly vulnerable to local environmental changes, with pollution from increased human activity and potential climate-induced alterations to stream flow patterns posing additional risks to the remaining population.
Where does Geothelphusa lanyu live?
Geothelphusa lanyu occurs in Taiwan. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Geothelphusa lanyu?
The main threats to Geothelphusa lanyu 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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