CR

Schizymenia ecuadoreana

Declining

Overview

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

Schizymenia ecuadoreana faces severe threats from coastal development and pollution along Ecuador's Pacific coastline. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat degradation from urban expansion, port construction, and industrial activities. Marine pollution, including chemical runoff and plastic debris, further compromises the water quality essential for this red algae's survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This critically endangered red algae is endemic to the intertidal and shallow subtidal zones along Ecuador's Pacific coast. It grows attached to rocky substrates in areas with moderate wave action and specific water chemistry conditions.

Rocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protection

Frequently asked questions

Why is Schizymenia ecuadoreana classified as Critically Endangered?
Schizymenia ecuadoreana 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. Schizymenia ecuadoreana faces severe threats from coastal development and pollution along Ecuador's Pacific coastline. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat degradation from urban expansion, port construction, and industrial activities. Marine pollution, including chemical runoff and plastic debris, further compromises the water quality essential for this red algae's survival.
Where does Schizymenia ecuadoreana live?
Schizymenia ecuadoreana occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Schizymenia ecuadoreana?
The main threats to Schizymenia ecuadoreana are 11.1, 2.3, 5.1, and 5.1.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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