CR

Thermosphaeroma macrura

Unknown

Overview

Thermosphaeroma macrura is a species of isopod in the family Sphaeromatidae. It is endemic to hot springs and streams near the town of Julimes in the Mexican state of Chihuahua. It has a length of 7–10.8 mm (0.28–0.43 in) and is distinguished from the rest of its genus by its very long pleotelson. It was classified as being critically endangered by the IUCN in 1996.

Thermosphaeroma macrura faces severe threats from habitat degradation and water quality deterioration in its limited thermal spring environments. Urban development and groundwater extraction have altered the natural flow and temperature regimes of these specialized aquatic systems. Pollution from agricultural runoff and urban sources further compromises the delicate chemical balance required by this endemic isopod species.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species is endemic to thermal springs and associated warm water habitats in specific geographic regions. It requires stable water temperatures and specific chemical conditions found only in these specialized aquatic environments.

FRESHWATER· major

Other threatened species in SPHAEROMATIDAE

VU

Monolistra calopyge

Unknown
VU

Monolistra schottlaenderi

Unknown
EN

Monolistra spinosissima

Unknown
EN

Thermosphaeroma milleri

Unknown

Threatened in Mexico

EN

Turbinicarpus horripilus

Declining
CR

Turbinicarpus mandragora

Declining
EN

Opuntia pachyrrhiza

Declining
EN

Arachnothryx tacanensis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Thermosphaeroma macrura classified as Critically Endangered?
Thermosphaeroma macrura 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. Thermosphaeroma macrura faces severe threats from habitat degradation and water quality deterioration in its limited thermal spring environments. Urban development and groundwater extraction have altered the natural flow and temperature regimes of these specialized aquatic systems. Pollution from agricultural runoff and urban sources further compromises the delicate chemical balance required by this endemic isopod species.
Where does Thermosphaeroma macrura live?
Thermosphaeroma macrura occurs in Mexico. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Thermosphaeroma macrura?
The main threats to Thermosphaeroma macrura 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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