VU

Contomastix vacariensis

Declining

Overview

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

Contomastix vacariensis faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching activities that fragment and degrade its specialized grassland habitat in the Brazilian Cerrado. Urban development and infrastructure projects further reduce available habitat, while the species' restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats. Fire regime alterations and invasive grass species also compromise the native grassland ecosystems this lizard depends upon.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits open grasslands and campo limpo vegetation in the Brazilian Cerrado, particularly favoring areas with sparse shrub cover and well-drained soils. It occurs in natural grassland mosaics that are maintained by periodic fires and seasonal rainfall patterns.

Other threatened species in TEIIDAE

VU

Ameiva parecis

Unknown
EN

Ameivula nativo

Unknown
EN

Censky's Ameiva

Pholidoscelis corax

Unknown
EN

Jamaica Ameiva

Pholidoscelis dorsalis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Contomastix vacariensis classified as Vulnerable?
Contomastix vacariensis 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. Contomastix vacariensis faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching activities that fragment and degrade its specialized grassland habitat in the Brazilian Cerrado. Urban development and infrastructure projects further reduce available habitat, while the species' restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats. Fire regime alterations and invasive grass species also compromise the native grassland ecosystems this lizard depends upon.
Where does Contomastix vacariensis live?
Contomastix vacariensis occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Contomastix vacariensis?
The main threats to Contomastix vacariensis 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.

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