VU

Potamonautes infravallatus

Declining

Overview

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

Potamonautes infravallatus faces significant pressure from water pollution and sedimentation in its freshwater habitats, particularly from agricultural runoff and urban development. The species is highly sensitive to water quality changes, making it vulnerable to chemical contamination from pesticides and industrial discharge. Habitat fragmentation through dam construction and water extraction further isolates populations and reduces genetic diversity.

Threat summary

Habitat

This freshwater crab inhabits rivers, streams, and associated riparian zones in southern Africa, typically preferring areas with rocky substrates and moderate water flow. The species requires clean, well-oxygenated water and is often found in mountainous or hilly regions where water quality remains relatively pristine.

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protection

Other threatened species in POTAMONAUTIDAE

VU

Potamonautes gerdalensis

Unknown
EN

Lake Mutanda Crab

Potamonautes mutandensis

Unknown
EN

Purple Marsh Crab

Afrithelphusa monodosa

Declining
EN

Globonautes macropus

Declining

Threatened in Tanzania

VU

Lepiota echinella

Unknown
VU

Panicum pinifolium

Unknown
VU

Aidia abeidii

Unknown
EN

Meineckia stipularis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Potamonautes infravallatus classified as Vulnerable?
Potamonautes infravallatus 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. Potamonautes infravallatus faces significant pressure from water pollution and sedimentation in its freshwater habitats, particularly from agricultural runoff and urban development. The species is highly sensitive to water quality changes, making it vulnerable to chemical contamination from pesticides and industrial discharge. Habitat fragmentation through dam construction and water extraction further isolates populations and reduces genetic diversity.
Where does Potamonautes infravallatus live?
Potamonautes infravallatus occurs in Tanzania. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Potamonautes infravallatus?
The main threats to Potamonautes infravallatus 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.