VU

Stygodiaptomus petkovskii

Unknown

Overview

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

Stygodiaptomus petkovskii faces severe threats from groundwater extraction and pollution in its limited subterranean habitat range. The species' restricted distribution in underground aquifers makes it extremely vulnerable to water table changes and contamination from agricultural runoff and urban development. Climate change-induced alterations to regional hydrology pose additional risks to the delicate groundwater ecosystems this endemic copepod depends upon.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits subterranean freshwater environments, specifically groundwater systems and underground aquifers in the Balkan Peninsula. It is adapted to the stable, dark conditions of interstitial waters and cave systems where it feeds on organic matter and microorganisms.

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 petkovskii classified as Vulnerable?
Stygodiaptomus petkovskii 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 petkovskii faces severe threats from groundwater extraction and pollution in its limited subterranean habitat range. The species' restricted distribution in underground aquifers makes it extremely vulnerable to water table changes and contamination from agricultural runoff and urban development. Climate change-induced alterations to regional hydrology pose additional risks to the delicate groundwater ecosystems this endemic copepod depends upon.
Where does Stygodiaptomus petkovskii live?
Stygodiaptomus petkovskii 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 petkovskii?
The main threats to Stygodiaptomus petkovskii 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.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.