CR

Rhinobranchipus martensi

Unknown

Overview

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

Rhinobranchipus martensi faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited range. The species' dependence on temporary pools makes it extremely vulnerable to hydrological changes from water extraction and climate-induced precipitation shifts. Its restricted distribution and specialized breeding requirements leave little room for population recovery once local extinctions occur.

Threat summary

Habitat

This fairy shrimp inhabits temporary freshwater pools and seasonal wetlands that form during rainy periods. The species requires specific water chemistry and temperature conditions found in ephemeral pools that dry completely between seasons.

Shrubland· majorWetlands (inland)· majorWetlands (inland) - Bogs, marshes, swamps, fens· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recovery

Other threatened species in BRANCHIPODIDAE

VU

Branchipodopsis hutchinsoni

Unknown
EN

Branchipodopsis karroensis

Unknown
EN

Branchipodopsis transversus

Unknown
EN

Branchipodopsis dayae

Unknown

Threatened in South Africa

VU

Copper Shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus

Declining
EN

Black-Spotted Blue

Orachrysops mijburghi

Unknown
Cape GannetEN

Cape Gannet

Morus capensis

Declining
Scarce BlackneckCR

Scarce Blackneck

Lygephila craccae

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Rhinobranchipus martensi classified as Critically Endangered?
Rhinobranchipus martensi 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. Rhinobranchipus martensi faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited range. The species' dependence on temporary pools makes it extremely vulnerable to hydrological changes from water extraction and climate-induced precipitation shifts. Its restricted distribution and specialized breeding requirements leave little room for population recovery once local extinctions occur.
Where does Rhinobranchipus martensi live?
Rhinobranchipus martensi occurs in South Africa. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Rhinobranchipus martensi?
The main threats to Rhinobranchipus martensi 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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