Synophis plectovertebralis
CR

Synophis plectovertebralis

Declining

Photo: (c) Mariana Simmonds, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Mariana Simmonds

Overview

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

Synophis plectovertebralis faces severe threats from rapid deforestation and agricultural expansion throughout its extremely limited range in Ecuador's cloud forests. Mining activities and infrastructure development have further fragmented the remaining habitat patches. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes and human disturbances.

Threat summary

Habitat

This snake inhabits montane cloud forests and humid subtropical forests on the western slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes, typically at elevations between 1,200-2,000 meters. It requires dense forest cover with high humidity levels and is associated with primary and well-preserved secondary forest habitats.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical moist montane· majorArtificial - Terrestrial· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent rivers/streams· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protection

Other threatened species in DIPSADIDAE

EN

Marcella's Graceful Brown Snake

Rhadinaea marcellae

Declining
VU

Zaher's Shadow Snake

Synophis zaheri

Unknown
EN

Hempstead's Pine Woods Snake

Rhadinella hempsteadae

Unknown
VU

Monte Cristi Graceful Brown Snake

Rhadinella montecristi

Declining

Threatened in Colombia

EN

Helena's Marsupial Frog

Gastrotheca helenae

Stable
VU

Cavendishia macrocephala

Unknown
EN

Cavendishia sessiliflora

Unknown
VU

Macleania crassa

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Synophis plectovertebralis classified as Critically Endangered?
Synophis plectovertebralis is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Synophis plectovertebralis faces severe threats from rapid deforestation and agricultural expansion throughout its extremely limited range in Ecuador's cloud forests. Mining activities and infrastructure development have further fragmented the remaining habitat patches. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes and human disturbances.
Where does Synophis plectovertebralis live?
Synophis plectovertebralis occurs in Colombia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Synophis plectovertebralis?
The main threats to Synophis plectovertebralis are 2.3, 9.4, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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