CR

Betta rutilans

Unknown

Overview

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

Betta rutilans faces severe threats from rapid deforestation and agricultural expansion across its limited range in Kalimantan, Borneo. Palm oil plantations and logging operations have destroyed much of the peat swamp forest habitat this species depends on. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and mining activities further degrades the acidic, tannin-rich waters essential for its survival. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to local habitat destruction.

Threat summary

Habitat

Betta rutilans inhabits shallow, acidic peat swamp forests and associated blackwater streams in Kalimantan, Borneo. These fish prefer slow-moving or stagnant waters with dense vegetation, fallen logs, and leaf litter that create the dark, tannin-rich conditions typical of tropical peat swamp ecosystems.

Wetlands (inland) - Bogs, marshes, swamps, fens· major

Conservation measures underway

Resource & habitat protectionSpecies managementSpecies recoveryAwareness & communications

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Betta rutilans classified as Critically Endangered?
Betta rutilans 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. Betta rutilans faces severe threats from rapid deforestation and agricultural expansion across its limited range in Kalimantan, Borneo. Palm oil plantations and logging operations have destroyed much of the peat swamp forest habitat this species depends on. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and mining activities further degrades the acidic, tannin-rich waters essential for its survival. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to local habitat destruction.
Where does Betta rutilans live?
Betta rutilans occurs in Indonesia, and Malaysia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Betta rutilans?
The main threats to Betta rutilans 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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