CR

Myopic Shadow Snake

Emmochliophis miops

Unknown

Overview

Emmochliophis miops is a species of snake of the family Colubridae. The species is found in Ecuador and Colombia. Emmochilophis miops was thought to be extinct before two individuals were found in 2017.

Emmochliophis miops faces severe threats from rapid deforestation and agricultural expansion throughout its extremely limited range in the Ecuadorian Andes. Mining activities and infrastructure development have fragmented the remaining cloud forest habitat, while climate change is causing upward shifts in suitable temperature and humidity zones. The species' highly specialized habitat requirements and small population size make it particularly vulnerable to any further habitat disturbance.

Threat summary

Habitat

This rare snake inhabits primary and secondary cloud forests in the Ecuadorian Andes, typically found at elevations between 1,200-2,000 meters. It requires humid montane forest environments with dense canopy cover and abundant leaf litter, often associated with steep slopes and ravines where moisture levels remain consistently high.

Forest· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recovery

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Myopic Shadow Snake classified as Critically Endangered?
Myopic Shadow Snake 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. Emmochliophis miops faces severe threats from rapid deforestation and agricultural expansion throughout its extremely limited range in the Ecuadorian Andes. Mining activities and infrastructure development have fragmented the remaining cloud forest habitat, while climate change is causing upward shifts in suitable temperature and humidity zones. The species' highly specialized habitat requirements and small population size make it particularly vulnerable to any further habitat disturbance.
Where does Myopic Shadow Snake live?
Myopic Shadow Snake occurs in Ecuador. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Myopic Shadow Snake?
The main threats to Myopic Shadow Snake are 2.1, 2.3, 5.3, and ai-1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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