CR

Schistura papulifera

Unknown

Overview

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

Schistura papulifera faces severe threats from habitat degradation in its restricted range within the Mekong River basin. Dam construction and water diversions have altered natural flow regimes critical for this species' survival. Agricultural runoff and urban pollution have degraded water quality in the shallow, fast-flowing streams where this loach occurs. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes.

Threat summary

Habitat

This freshwater loach inhabits shallow, fast-flowing streams and tributaries within the Mekong River system. It typically occurs in rocky substrates with clear, well-oxygenated water in upland areas.

FRESHWATER· major

Other threatened species in NEMACHEILIDAE

EN

Schistura quasimodo

Declining
EN

Schistura nudidorsum

Unknown
VU

Schistura kontumensis

Declining
VU

Triplophysa baotianensis

Stable

Frequently asked questions

Why is Schistura papulifera classified as Critically Endangered?
Schistura papulifera 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. Schistura papulifera faces severe threats from habitat degradation in its restricted range within the Mekong River basin. Dam construction and water diversions have altered natural flow regimes critical for this species' survival. Agricultural runoff and urban pollution have degraded water quality in the shallow, fast-flowing streams where this loach occurs. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes.
Where does Schistura papulifera live?
Schistura papulifera 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 Schistura papulifera?
The main threats to Schistura papulifera 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.

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.