CR

Echinanthera cephalomaculata

Unknown

Overview

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

Echinanthera cephalomaculata faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and habitat fragmentation within Brazil's Atlantic Forest. Mining activities and agricultural expansion have eliminated much of its specialized forest floor habitat, while urban development continues to fragment remaining populations. The species' limited dispersal ability and specific microhabitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to these landscape-level changes.

Threat summary

Habitat

This snake inhabits the leaf litter and understory of Atlantic Forest remnants in southeastern Brazil, particularly favoring areas with dense canopy cover and high humidity. It requires undisturbed forest floor environments with abundant invertebrate prey and suitable microhabitats for shelter.

Forest· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Echinanthera cephalomaculata classified as Critically Endangered?
Echinanthera cephalomaculata 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. Echinanthera cephalomaculata faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and habitat fragmentation within Brazil's Atlantic Forest. Mining activities and agricultural expansion have eliminated much of its specialized forest floor habitat, while urban development continues to fragment remaining populations. The species' limited dispersal ability and specific microhabitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to these landscape-level changes.
Where does Echinanthera cephalomaculata live?
Echinanthera cephalomaculata 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 Echinanthera cephalomaculata?
The main threats to Echinanthera cephalomaculata are 1.1, 2.1, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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