CR

Equatorial Caecilian

Oscaecilia equatorialis

Declining

Overview

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

Oscaecilia equatorialis faces severe population decline primarily due to rapid deforestation and agricultural conversion throughout its limited Ecuadorian range. Mining activities and urban expansion have further fragmented the remaining forest patches where this caecilian depends on stable soil conditions and leaf litter layers. The species' fossorial lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable to soil disturbance and chemical contamination from agricultural runoff.

Threat summary

Habitat

This fossorial caecilian inhabits the soil and leaf litter of tropical montane forests in the Ecuadorian Andes, typically at elevations between 1,200-2,000 meters. It requires stable, moist soil conditions with rich organic matter and minimal disturbance to maintain its underground burrow systems.

Forest - Subtropical/tropical moist lowland· majorCaves and subterranean habitats· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recovery

Other threatened species in CAECILIIDAE

EN

Abitagua Caecilian

Caecilia abitaguae

Declining

Threatened in Ecuador

EN

Puya fastuosa

Unknown
VU

Diospyros esmereg

Declining
VU

Copper Shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus

Declining
EN

Baird's Tapir

Tapirus bairdii

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Equatorial Caecilian classified as Critically Endangered?
Equatorial Caecilian 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. Oscaecilia equatorialis faces severe population decline primarily due to rapid deforestation and agricultural conversion throughout its limited Ecuadorian range. Mining activities and urban expansion have further fragmented the remaining forest patches where this caecilian depends on stable soil conditions and leaf litter layers. The species' fossorial lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable to soil disturbance and chemical contamination from agricultural runoff.
Where does Equatorial Caecilian live?
Equatorial Caecilian 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 Equatorial Caecilian?
The main threats to Equatorial Caecilian are 2.3, 5.3, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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