VU

Karst-dwelling Rock Gecko

Cnemaspis karsticola

Unknown

Overview

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

Cnemaspis karsticola faces severe threats from limestone quarrying and mining activities that directly destroy its specialized karst cave habitats. The species' extremely restricted range in limestone formations makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, as even small-scale quarrying operations can eliminate entire populations. Tourism development and cave disturbance further compound these pressures on this endemic gecko's limited habitat.

Threat summary

Habitat

This gecko is endemic to limestone karst formations and cave systems, where it inhabits rock crevices, cave entrances, and limestone outcrops. The species requires the specific microclimate conditions found in karst environments, including stable humidity and temperature regimes typical of limestone cave ecosystems.

Forest· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent rivers/streams· majorRocky areas· majorCaves and subterranean habitats· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recovery

Other threatened species in GEKKONIDAE

EN

Speckle-faced Bent-toed Gecko

Cyrtodactylus psarops

Unknown
EN

Hampi Rock Gecko

Hemidactylus siva

Unknown
VU

Gekko russelltraini

Stable
EN

Tanahjampea Bent-toed Gecko

Cyrtodactylus tanahjampea

Unknown

Threatened in Malaysia

Acropora hemprichiiEN

Acropora hemprichii

Declining
VU

Podocarpus ridleyi

Declining
EN

Benstonea saint-johnii

Unknown
VU

Hopea coriacea

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Karst-dwelling Rock Gecko classified as Vulnerable?
Karst-dwelling Rock Gecko 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. Cnemaspis karsticola faces severe threats from limestone quarrying and mining activities that directly destroy its specialized karst cave habitats. The species' extremely restricted range in limestone formations makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, as even small-scale quarrying operations can eliminate entire populations. Tourism development and cave disturbance further compound these pressures on this endemic gecko's limited habitat.
Where does Karst-dwelling Rock Gecko live?
Karst-dwelling Rock Gecko occurs in Malaysia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Karst-dwelling Rock Gecko?
The main threats to Karst-dwelling Rock Gecko 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.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.