This species has recently been described (Maake et al. 2014). It is currently only known from two rivers (Nseleni and the upper and lower parts of the Mhlatuze) in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. These represent two subpopulations (one in each river) and three locations (one in the Nseleni, and two in the Mhlatuze). It is suspected that it may occur in more locations than the three identified here but more field surveys are required. It has an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 992 km2 and an area of occupancy (AOO) of 20 km2 (calculated using a 2x2 km2 grid). There is continuous habitat degradation due to a high level of human settlements causing pollution and resulting in eutrophication, habitat degradation by bulldozing, and impacts of invasive alien plants spreading within the river. This species is assessed as EN B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii).
Distribution
Currently this species is only known from the Nseleni and the Mhlatuze rivers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
It is only known from the Nseleni and Mhlatuze rivers, each river representing a subpopulation. However, no further information is available on the population of this species, and more research and field data are required.
Threats
There has been a significant increase in the human population within the species’ distribution range over the past 20 years. The high amount of human settlement is causing an increase in pollution that is entering the river system, causing eutrophication and reducing water quality, as well as bulldozing activities that are altering the habitat. An increase in the spread of invasive alien plants has been observed as a result of eutrophication, the presents of these invasive alien plants causes habitat degradation that may have secondary impacts on M. caudisquamatus. More studies are required to understand the direct impacts of these threats. These threats are restricted to the upper and lower Mhlatuze river and the Nseleni river, where the species currently occurs, defining the three locations.
Uses and trade
It is kept in aquariums and commonly referred to as "Little Dolphins". No further information is currently available.
Conservation
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the provincial conservation agency, has put together conservation measures for the entire area - however, the threats still persist.
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year = {2014}
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,]
