VU

Tropodiaptomus kilimensis

Unknown

Overview

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

Tropodiaptomus kilimensis faces severe pressure from habitat degradation in East African highland lakes and temporary pools. Agricultural expansion and intensification around Lake Victoria and associated water bodies has led to increased sedimentation and nutrient pollution, disrupting the delicate planktonic ecosystems this copepod depends upon. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that affect the seasonal flooding cycles critical for reproduction and population maintenance.

Threat summary

Habitat

This freshwater copepod inhabits highland lakes, seasonal pools, and temporary water bodies in the East African Rift Valley region, particularly around Mount Kilimanjaro and Lake Victoria basin. It requires clean, well-oxygenated waters with specific temperature and conductivity ranges typical of high-altitude tropical freshwater systems.

Other threatened species in DIAPTOMIDAE

VU

Eodiaptomus shihi

Unknown
VU

Heliodiaptomus pulcher

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VU

Metadiaptomus capensis

Unknown
VU

Neodiaptomus intermedius

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Tropodiaptomus kilimensis classified as Vulnerable?
Tropodiaptomus kilimensis 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. Tropodiaptomus kilimensis faces severe pressure from habitat degradation in East African highland lakes and temporary pools. Agricultural expansion and intensification around Lake Victoria and associated water bodies has led to increased sedimentation and nutrient pollution, disrupting the delicate planktonic ecosystems this copepod depends upon. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that affect the seasonal flooding cycles critical for reproduction and population maintenance.
Where does Tropodiaptomus kilimensis live?
Tropodiaptomus kilimensis 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 Tropodiaptomus kilimensis?
The main threats to Tropodiaptomus kilimensis 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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