CR

Simpsonichthys zonatus

Declining

Overview

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

Simpsonichthys zonatus faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited range within Brazil's Cerrado savanna. The species' dependence on temporary pools that form during seasonal rains makes it extremely vulnerable to hydrological changes caused by water extraction and land use modifications. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering precipitation patterns that are critical for the species' breeding cycle.

Threat summary

Habitat

This annual killifish inhabits temporary pools and seasonal wetlands in the Brazilian Cerrado savanna, particularly in areas that flood during the rainy season and dry completely during drought periods. The species has adapted to these ephemeral aquatic environments, completing its entire life cycle within the brief wet season.

FRESHWATER· major

Frequently asked questions

Why is Simpsonichthys zonatus classified as Critically Endangered?
Simpsonichthys zonatus 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. Simpsonichthys zonatus faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited range within Brazil's Cerrado savanna. The species' dependence on temporary pools that form during seasonal rains makes it extremely vulnerable to hydrological changes caused by water extraction and land use modifications. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering precipitation patterns that are critical for the species' breeding cycle.
Where does Simpsonichthys zonatus live?
Simpsonichthys zonatus occurs in Brazil. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Simpsonichthys zonatus?
The main threats to Simpsonichthys zonatus 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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