CR

Streptocephalus gracilis

Declining

Overview

Streptocephalus gracilis is a species of crustacean in family Streptocephalidae. It is endemic to South Africa.

Streptocephalus gracilis faces severe threats from the destruction and degradation of its temporary wetland habitats through agricultural conversion and urban development. The species' dependence on ephemeral pools makes it particularly vulnerable to hydrological changes caused by water extraction and altered precipitation patterns. Its extremely restricted range and specialized habitat requirements leave little room for population recovery once local extinctions occur.

Threat summary

Habitat

This fairy shrimp inhabits temporary freshwater pools and ephemeral wetlands that fill during seasonal rains and gradually dry out. These shallow, temporary water bodies are typically found in grasslands and open areas with clay or sandy substrates that retain water for several weeks to months.

Shrubland· majorWetlands (inland)· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recovery

Other threatened species in STREPTOCEPHALIDAE

CR

Streptocephalus moorei

Unknown
EN

Streptocephalus woottoni

Unknown
EN

Streptocephalus guzmani

Unknown
VU

Streptocephalus spinicaudatus

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 Streptocephalus gracilis classified as Critically Endangered?
Streptocephalus gracilis 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. Streptocephalus gracilis faces severe threats from the destruction and degradation of its temporary wetland habitats through agricultural conversion and urban development. The species' dependence on ephemeral pools makes it particularly vulnerable to hydrological changes caused by water extraction and altered precipitation patterns. Its extremely restricted range and specialized habitat requirements leave little room for population recovery once local extinctions occur.
Where does Streptocephalus gracilis live?
Streptocephalus gracilis 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 Streptocephalus gracilis?
The main threats to Streptocephalus gracilis are 1.1, 4.1, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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