VU

Mexistenasellus wilkensi

Unknown

Overview

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

Mexistenasellus wilkensi faces severe threats from groundwater extraction and contamination in its limited cave habitat range in Mexico. The species' restricted distribution in underground aquatic systems makes it extremely vulnerable to water table changes and pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development. Cave tourism and human disturbance to these fragile subterranean ecosystems further compound the pressures on this endemic isopod.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits underground freshwater cave systems and associated groundwater aquifers in Mexico. It is restricted to specific subterranean aquatic environments with stable water chemistry and temperature conditions.

FRESHWATER· major

Other threatened species in STENASELLIDAE

VU

Mexistenasellus nulemex

Unknown
VU

Mexistenasellus parzefalli

Unknown
EN

Mexistenasellus coahuila

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 Mexistenasellus wilkensi classified as Vulnerable?
Mexistenasellus wilkensi 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. Mexistenasellus wilkensi faces severe threats from groundwater extraction and contamination in its limited cave habitat range in Mexico. The species' restricted distribution in underground aquatic systems makes it extremely vulnerable to water table changes and pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development. Cave tourism and human disturbance to these fragile subterranean ecosystems further compound the pressures on this endemic isopod.
Where does Mexistenasellus wilkensi live?
Mexistenasellus wilkensi 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 Mexistenasellus wilkensi?
The main threats to Mexistenasellus wilkensi 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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