VU

Potamonautes pilosus

Unknown

Overview

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

Potamonautes pilosus faces significant pressure from water pollution and sedimentation in South African river systems, particularly from agricultural runoff and urban development. Habitat degradation through dam construction and water abstraction has fragmented populations and altered natural flow regimes essential for breeding. Mining activities in the species' range contribute heavy metals and other contaminants that directly impact water quality and crab survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This freshwater crab inhabits rocky streams and rivers in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa, typically found under stones and in crevices of fast-flowing, well-oxygenated waters. The species requires clean, unpolluted freshwater systems with stable substrates for shelter and breeding.

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 Kenya

VU

Panicum pinifolium

Unknown
VU

Aidia abeidii

Unknown
EN

Black-fronted Spurfowl

Pternistis atrifrons

Declining
VU

Zanthoxylum mildbraedii

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Potamonautes pilosus classified as Vulnerable?
Potamonautes pilosus 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 pilosus faces significant pressure from water pollution and sedimentation in South African river systems, particularly from agricultural runoff and urban development. Habitat degradation through dam construction and water abstraction has fragmented populations and altered natural flow regimes essential for breeding. Mining activities in the species' range contribute heavy metals and other contaminants that directly impact water quality and crab survival.
Where does Potamonautes pilosus live?
Potamonautes pilosus occurs in Kenya, and 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 pilosus?
The main threats to Potamonautes pilosus 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.

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