Forty-one species of isopods are listed by the World Conservation Union (IUCN). Two are listed as Data Deficient, which means there is not enough information to make a judgment about the threat of extinction. Twenty-two are considered Vulnerable, or facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. Seven are listed as Endangered, or facing very high risk of extinction in the wild. Nine are listed as Critically Endangered, or facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. The last species, the Socorro isopod, Thermosphaeroma thermophilum, is Extinct in the Wild, which means it is no longer alive except in captivity or through the aid of humans.
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about 1 year ago
I saw the Socorro Isopod many,many times while growing up in Socorro, New mexico. We used to go to the Evergreen swimming pool where the Isopod was in evidence all around. It is indeed a strange creature and hope it survives with human help. 04/11/07 I will be 80 years old on the 19th.