EN

Trichomycterus motatanensis

Unknown

Overview

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

Trichomycterus motatanensis faces severe threats from habitat degradation in its restricted Venezuelan mountain range. Agricultural expansion and cattle ranching have significantly altered the pristine stream environments this endemic catfish requires. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and potential mining activities further compromise the delicate aquatic ecosystems where this species survives.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic catfish inhabits clear, fast-flowing mountain streams in the Venezuelan Andes, particularly in the Mérida region. It requires well-oxygenated waters with rocky substrates and minimal human disturbance.

FRESHWATER· major

Other threatened species in Trichomycteridae

VU

Trichomycterus spelaeus

Unknown
EN

Trichomycterus arleoi

Unknown
EN

Trichomycterus emanueli

Unknown
EN

Trichomycterus mondolfi

Unknown

Threatened in Venezuela

EN

Helena's Marsupial Frog

Gastrotheca helenae

Stable
VU

Ternstroemia steyermarkii

Declining
VU

Lonchocarpus crassispermus

Declining
CR

Machaerium orthocarpum

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Trichomycterus motatanensis classified as Endangered?
Trichomycterus motatanensis 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. Trichomycterus motatanensis faces severe threats from habitat degradation in its restricted Venezuelan mountain range. Agricultural expansion and cattle ranching have significantly altered the pristine stream environments this endemic catfish requires. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and potential mining activities further compromise the delicate aquatic ecosystems where this species survives.
Where does Trichomycterus motatanensis live?
Trichomycterus motatanensis occurs in Venezuela. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Trichomycterus motatanensis?
The main threats to Trichomycterus motatanensis 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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