VU

Pindus stone loach

Oxynoemacheilus pindus

UnknownVUEUVUEU

Overview

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

The Pindus stone loach faces significant threats from water abstraction and flow modification in its mountain stream habitats, which reduce water levels and alter the natural flow regimes essential for this endemic species. Agricultural runoff and livestock grazing in surrounding watersheds contribute to sedimentation and water quality degradation. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased temperatures that could further stress these cold-water adapted populations in their restricted Greek mountain range.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Pindus stone loach inhabits clear, cold mountain streams and springs in the Pindus mountain range of northwestern Greece. This endemic species prefers rocky substrates with good water flow and high oxygen levels, typically found at elevations between 400-1200 meters in pristine headwater systems.

FRESHWATER· major

Other threatened species in Nemacheilidae

VU

Must hiinatrull

Yunnanilus niger

Unknown

Threatened in Albania

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
Anthophore estivaleCR

Anthophore estivale

Anthophora aestivalis

Unknown
Adonis BlueVU

Adonis Blue

Lysandra bellargus

Unknown
VU

Anthribus fasciatus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Pindus stone loach classified as Vulnerable?
Pindus stone loach 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. The Pindus stone loach faces significant threats from water abstraction and flow modification in its mountain stream habitats, which reduce water levels and alter the natural flow regimes essential for this endemic species. Agricultural runoff and livestock grazing in surrounding watersheds contribute to sedimentation and water quality degradation. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased temperatures that could further stress these cold-water adapted populations in their restricted Greek mountain range.
Where does Pindus stone loach live?
Pindus stone loach occurs in Albania, and Greece. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Pindus stone loach?
The main threats to Pindus stone loach 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.