ENEndangered

Simpsonichthys santanae

Declining

Overview

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

Simpsonichthys santanae faces severe threats from habitat degradation in Brazil's Cerrado savanna, where agricultural expansion and cattle ranching have destroyed much of its seasonal wetland habitat. The species' dependence on temporary pools that fill during rainy seasons makes it particularly vulnerable to hydrological changes caused by dam construction and water diversion for irrigation. Urban development around its limited range has further fragmented remaining suitable habitat, while pollution from agricultural runoff degrades water quality in surviving pools.
Threat summary

Habitat

This annual killifish inhabits temporary pools and seasonal wetlands in the Brazilian Cerrado savanna, particularly in areas that flood during the rainy season and dry completely during drought periods. The species requires shallow, vegetated pools with specific water chemistry conditions that form in grassland depressions and along small tributary systems.

Other threatened species in RIVULIDAE

Flame Rivulus

Cynodonichthys uroflammeus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Simpsonichthys santanae classified as Endangered?

Simpsonichthys santanae is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Simpsonichthys santanae faces severe threats from habitat degradation in Brazil's Cerrado savanna, where agricultural expansion and cattle ranching have destroyed much of its seasonal wetland habitat. The species' dependence on temporary pools that fill during rainy seasons makes it particularly vulnerable to hydrological changes caused by dam construction and water diversion for irrigation. Urban development around its limited range has further fragmented remaining suitable habitat, while pollution from agricultural runoff degrades water quality in surviving pools.

Where does Simpsonichthys santanae live?

Simpsonichthys santanae 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 Simpsonichthys santanae?

The main threats to Simpsonichthys santanae 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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