CR

Palaemonetes mexicanus

Stable

Overview

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

Palaemonetes mexicanus faces severe population decline due to groundwater depletion and aquifer contamination in its limited range within the Edwards Aquifer system of Texas. Agricultural runoff and urban development have degraded water quality in the springs and caves where this endemic freshwater shrimp survives. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it highly vulnerable to any localized environmental changes or pollution events.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic freshwater shrimp inhabits springs, caves, and underground aquifer systems within the Edwards Aquifer region of south-central Texas. It requires clean, oxygen-rich groundwater with stable temperatures and specific mineral compositions typical of limestone karst environments.

Wetlands (inland) - Permanent rivers/streams· major

Other threatened species in PALAEMONIDAE

VU

Macrobrachium gurudeve

Unknown
VU

Troglocubanus gibarensis

Unknown
VU

Macrobrachium lingyunense

Unknown
VU

Macrobrachium thysi

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 Palaemonetes mexicanus classified as Critically Endangered?
Palaemonetes mexicanus 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. Palaemonetes mexicanus faces severe population decline due to groundwater depletion and aquifer contamination in its limited range within the Edwards Aquifer system of Texas. Agricultural runoff and urban development have degraded water quality in the springs and caves where this endemic freshwater shrimp survives. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it highly vulnerable to any localized environmental changes or pollution events.
Where does Palaemonetes mexicanus live?
Palaemonetes mexicanus 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 Palaemonetes mexicanus?
The main threats to Palaemonetes mexicanus are 2.1, ai-1, ai-2, and ai-3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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