List of critically endangered invertebrates facts for kids
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) keeps a list of animals and plants that are at risk of disappearing forever. This list is called the IUCN Red List.
As of July 2016, the IUCN listed almost 1,000 types of invertebrates as critically endangered. Invertebrates are animals without a backbone, like insects, snails, and worms. About 200 of these critically endangered invertebrates might even be extinct already.
When a species is "critically endangered," it means it faces a very, very high risk of dying out in the wild. This is the most serious category before extinction.
Sometimes, there isn't enough information about a species to know if it's in danger. These species are called "data deficient." Even though we don't know their exact status, they often live in small areas or have small populations, which means they could be at risk too. Scientists believe we should pay attention to these species, just in case.
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Critically Endangered Invertebrates
Here are some examples of invertebrates that are critically endangered. This list shows how many different kinds of creatures are in trouble.
Molluscs: Snails and Shells
Molluscs are soft-bodied animals, often with shells, like snails, slugs, and mussels. Over 580 types of molluscs are critically endangered.
Land Snails and Slugs
Many land snails and slugs are in danger. These include the Amastrids, Partulids, and Achatinellids. For example, the Polynesian tree snails (Partula otaheitana) are critically endangered. Many of these snails are found on islands, where their habitats are easily disturbed.
Freshwater Snails
Freshwater snails, like those in the Hydrobiidae family, are also facing big problems. These snails live in rivers, lakes, and springs. Many are found in specific small areas, making them very vulnerable. Examples include the Bruneau hot springsnail (Pyrgulopsis bruneauensis) and the Coosa pebblesnail (Somatogyrus coosaensis).
Freshwater Mussels
Freshwater mussels are bivalves, meaning they have two shells. They are important for keeping rivers clean by filtering water. Many types of mussels are critically endangered, especially in North America.
- The Spengler's freshwater mussel (Margaritifera auricularia) is one example.
- The Appalachian elktoe (Alasmidonta raveneliana) and the Carolina heelsplitter (Lasmigona decorata) are also in critical danger.
- The Fanshell (Cyprogenia stegaria) and Rough pigtoe pearly mussel (Pleurobema plenum) are other examples. These mussels are often threatened by pollution and changes to their river habitats.
Cnidaria: Corals
Corals are tiny animals that build large reefs. Coral reefs are important homes for many ocean creatures. Some corals are critically endangered.
- The Staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis) and Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) are both critically endangered. These corals are vital for building reefs in the Caribbean.
- The Pillar coral (Dendrogyra cylindrus) is another critically endangered species. Corals face threats from climate change, ocean warming, and pollution.
Arthropods: Insects, Spiders, and Crabs
Arthropods are animals with jointed legs and exoskeletons, like insects, spiders, and crustaceans. Over 390 types of arthropods are critically endangered.
Spiders
Many spider species are critically endangered, often because their specific habitats are shrinking.
- The Desertas wolf spider (Hogna ingens) is a large spider found only on a small island.
- The Kanthan cave trapdoor spider (Liphistius kanthan) lives only in one cave system.
- The Horrid ground-weaver (Nothophantes horridus) is another example of a spider facing extinction.
Millipedes
Millipedes are long, many-legged creatures. Some species are critically endangered.
- The Major black millipede (Doratogonus major) is one such example.
Crustaceans: Crabs and Crayfish
Crustaceans include crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. Many freshwater crayfish and crabs are in serious trouble.
- The Central North burrowing crayfish (Engaeus granulatus) and the Margaret river burrowing crayfish (Engaewa pseudoreducta) are critically endangered.
- The Singapore freshwater crab (Johora singaporensis) is also critically endangered. These animals are threatened by habitat loss and pollution in their freshwater homes.
Insects: Grasshoppers, Bees, and Beetles
Many insects, which are vital for ecosystems, are also critically endangered.
- Grasshoppers and Crickets: The Morogoro monkey grasshopper (Chromomastax movogovodia) and the Crau plain grasshopper (Prionotropis rhodanica) are examples.
- Bees and Ants: Important pollinators like the Rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis) and Franklin's bumblebee (Bombus franklini) are critically endangered. The Sri Lankan relict ant (Aneuretus simoni) is also in danger.
- Beetles: The Coral pink sand dunes tiger beetle (Cicindela albissima) and the American burying beetle (Nicrophorus americanus) are critically endangered.
- Dragonflies and Damselflies: These beautiful insects are also at risk. The Sydney hawk (Austrocordulia leonardi) dragonfly and the Crimson Hawaiian damselfly (Megalagrion leptodemas) are critically endangered.
See also
- Lists of IUCN Red List critically endangered species
- List of least concern invertebrates
- List of near threatened invertebrates
- List of vulnerable invertebrates
- List of endangered invertebrates
- List of recently extinct invertebrates
- List of data deficient invertebrates
