Pink Velvet Worm
Opisthopatus roseus
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Opisthopatus roseus faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to urban expansion and agricultural conversion in its limited South African range. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while its specific microhabitat requirements for moist soil conditions are increasingly compromised by altered drainage patterns and climate variability.
Habitat
This velvet worm inhabits moist soil environments and leaf litter in specific microhabitats within South African fynbos and forest margins. The species requires consistently humid conditions and well-structured soil layers that support its burrowing lifestyle and prey availability.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in PERIPATOPSIDAE
Threatened in South Africa
Frequently asked questions
Why is Pink Velvet Worm classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Pink Velvet Worm live?
What are the main threats to Pink Velvet Worm?
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.