CR

Amphisbaena sanctaeritae

Unknown

Overview

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

Amphisbaena sanctaeritae faces severe threats from rapid urban expansion and agricultural conversion throughout its extremely limited range in northeastern Brazil. The species' fossorial lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable to soil disturbance and habitat fragmentation, as underground tunnel systems are destroyed by development activities. Mining operations and infrastructure projects pose additional risks to the remaining suitable habitat patches.

Threat summary

Habitat

This fossorial amphisbaenian inhabits sandy and loose soils in caatinga scrubland and dry forest remnants of northeastern Brazil. The species requires well-drained substrates that allow for extensive burrowing and tunnel construction in areas with sparse vegetation cover.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical dry· majorSavanna· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recovery

Frequently asked questions

Why is Amphisbaena sanctaeritae classified as Critically Endangered?
Amphisbaena sanctaeritae 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. Amphisbaena sanctaeritae faces severe threats from rapid urban expansion and agricultural conversion throughout its extremely limited range in northeastern Brazil. The species' fossorial lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable to soil disturbance and habitat fragmentation, as underground tunnel systems are destroyed by development activities. Mining operations and infrastructure projects pose additional risks to the remaining suitable habitat patches.
Where does Amphisbaena sanctaeritae live?
Amphisbaena sanctaeritae occurs in Brazil. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Amphisbaena sanctaeritae?
The main threats to Amphisbaena sanctaeritae are 1.1, 2.1, 2.3, and ai-1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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