Gammarus pecos
VU

Gammarus pecos

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gammarus_pecos

Overview

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

Gammarus pecos faces severe threats from groundwater depletion and contamination in the Pecos River basin, where agricultural irrigation and urban development have dramatically altered water tables. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized pollution events and habitat modification. Climate change-induced drought conditions in the southwestern United States further stress the already fragile spring and groundwater systems this amphipod depends upon.

Threat summary

Habitat

Gammarus pecos inhabits springs, seeps, and shallow groundwater systems in the Pecos River drainage of New Mexico and Texas. This endemic amphipod requires clean, cool, oxygen-rich water with stable temperatures and specific mineral compositions found in natural spring environments.

FRESHWATER· major

Other threatened species in GAMMARIDAE

EN

Gammarus acherondytes

Unknown
CR

Echinogammarus kerkuraios

Unknown
VU

Echinogammarus kretensis

Unknown
EN

Pectenogammarus platvoeti

Unknown

Threatened in United States

VU

Lepiota echinella

Unknown
VU

Paddlefish

Polyodon spathula

Unknown
VU

Copper Shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus

Declining
EN

Lyophyllum deliberatum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Gammarus pecos classified as Vulnerable?
Gammarus pecos 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. Gammarus pecos faces severe threats from groundwater depletion and contamination in the Pecos River basin, where agricultural irrigation and urban development have dramatically altered water tables. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized pollution events and habitat modification. Climate change-induced drought conditions in the southwestern United States further stress the already fragile spring and groundwater systems this amphipod depends upon.
Where does Gammarus pecos live?
Gammarus pecos occurs in United States. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Gammarus pecos?
The main threats to Gammarus pecos 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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