VU

Physella spelunca

Unknown

Overview

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

Physella spelunca faces severe threats from groundwater depletion and contamination affecting its cave spring habitats. Urban development and agricultural activities in the surrounding watershed have altered natural hydrology and introduced pollutants into the delicate underground aquifer systems. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to any changes in water quality or flow patterns within its cave environment.

Threat summary

Habitat

This freshwater snail is endemic to cave springs and underground aquatic systems in limestone karst terrain. It inhabits the cool, stable waters of subterranean environments where consistent temperature and water chemistry are maintained year-round.

Other threatened species in PHYSIDAE

VU

Wet-rock Physa

Physa zionis

Stable
VU

Physella zionis

Unknown
VU

Physella utahensis

Unknown
Banff Springs PhysaCR

Banff Springs Physa

Physella johnsoni

Stable

Frequently asked questions

Why is Physella spelunca classified as Vulnerable?
Physella spelunca 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. Physella spelunca faces severe threats from groundwater depletion and contamination affecting its cave spring habitats. Urban development and agricultural activities in the surrounding watershed have altered natural hydrology and introduced pollutants into the delicate underground aquifer systems. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to any changes in water quality or flow patterns within its cave environment.
Where does Physella spelunca live?
Physella spelunca 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 Physella spelunca?
The main threats to Physella spelunca 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.