Physella zionis
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Physella zionis faces severe threats from water diversions and groundwater pumping that reduce spring flows in its limited desert habitat. The species is highly vulnerable to habitat modification from recreational activities and livestock grazing around spring sources. Climate change poses an additional long-term threat through increased aridity and reduced groundwater recharge in the southwestern United States.
Habitat
This freshwater snail is endemic to spring-fed pools and streams in desert regions of the southwestern United States. It requires permanent water sources with specific temperature and chemical conditions typical of desert springs.
