CR

Pinniwallago kanpurensis

Unknown

Overview

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

Pinniwallago kanpurensis faces severe threats from extensive pollution and habitat degradation in the Ganges River system. Industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and urban sewage have dramatically altered water chemistry in its native range around Kanpur, India. Dam construction and water extraction have further fragmented its riverine habitat, while overfishing and destructive fishing practices have directly reduced population numbers.

Threat summary

Habitat

This freshwater catfish inhabits the Ganges River system in northern India, particularly in areas with moderate current and muddy or sandy substrates. It prefers deeper river channels and backwaters where it can find shelter among submerged vegetation and debris.

Wetlands (inland) - Permanent freshwater lakes· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recovery

Frequently asked questions

Why is Pinniwallago kanpurensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Pinniwallago kanpurensis 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. Pinniwallago kanpurensis faces severe threats from extensive pollution and habitat degradation in the Ganges River system. Industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and urban sewage have dramatically altered water chemistry in its native range around Kanpur, India. Dam construction and water extraction have further fragmented its riverine habitat, while overfishing and destructive fishing practices have directly reduced population numbers.
Where does Pinniwallago kanpurensis live?
Pinniwallago kanpurensis occurs in India. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Pinniwallago kanpurensis?
The main threats to Pinniwallago kanpurensis are 2.1, 9.3.4, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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