VU

Stygodiaptomus kieferi

Unknown

Overview

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

Stygodiaptomus kieferi faces severe threats from groundwater extraction and contamination in its limited karst cave habitat range. The species' obligate dependence on pristine groundwater systems makes it extremely vulnerable to agricultural runoff, urban development, and water table depletion. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns that could disrupt the delicate hydrological balance of its cave ecosystems.

Threat summary

Habitat

This stygobiotic copepod is endemic to groundwater systems and karst caves in southeastern Europe, particularly inhabiting the interstitial waters of limestone cave networks. The species requires pristine, oxygen-rich groundwater with stable temperatures and minimal chemical contamination.

Other threatened species in DIAPTOMIDAE

VU

Eodiaptomus shihi

Unknown
VU

Heliodiaptomus pulcher

Unknown
VU

Metadiaptomus capensis

Unknown
VU

Neodiaptomus intermedius

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Stygodiaptomus kieferi classified as Vulnerable?
Stygodiaptomus kieferi is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Stygodiaptomus kieferi faces severe threats from groundwater extraction and contamination in its limited karst cave habitat range. The species' obligate dependence on pristine groundwater systems makes it extremely vulnerable to agricultural runoff, urban development, and water table depletion. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns that could disrupt the delicate hydrological balance of its cave ecosystems.
Where does Stygodiaptomus kieferi live?
Stygodiaptomus kieferi 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 Stygodiaptomus kieferi?
The main threats to Stygodiaptomus kieferi 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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