CR

Ophthalmolebias ilheusensis

Unknown

Overview

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

Ophthalmolebias ilheusensis faces severe threats from the rapid destruction of Atlantic Forest wetlands in the Ilhéus region of Bahia, Brazil. Urban expansion and agricultural conversion have eliminated most of the temporary pools and seasonal wetlands this annual killifish depends on for reproduction. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development further degrades remaining habitat quality, while climate change threatens to alter the delicate hydrological cycles essential for this species' survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This annual killifish inhabits temporary pools, seasonal wetlands, and shallow freshwater habitats within the Atlantic Forest biome of coastal Bahia, Brazil. The species depends on ephemeral water bodies that fill during rainy seasons and dry completely during drought periods, requiring specific hydrological cycles for successful reproduction and development.

FRESHWATER· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Ophthalmolebias ilheusensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Ophthalmolebias ilheusensis 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. Ophthalmolebias ilheusensis faces severe threats from the rapid destruction of Atlantic Forest wetlands in the Ilhéus region of Bahia, Brazil. Urban expansion and agricultural conversion have eliminated most of the temporary pools and seasonal wetlands this annual killifish depends on for reproduction. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development further degrades remaining habitat quality, while climate change threatens to alter the delicate hydrological cycles essential for this species' survival.
Where does Ophthalmolebias ilheusensis live?
Ophthalmolebias ilheusensis 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 Ophthalmolebias ilheusensis?
The main threats to Ophthalmolebias ilheusensis 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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