Cnemaspis scalpensis
CR

Cnemaspis scalpensis

Declining

Photo: (c) Sanjaya Kanishka, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Sanjaya Kanishka

Overview

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

Cnemaspis scalpensis faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to quarrying and mining activities in its limestone karst habitat. The species' extremely restricted range on Pulau Langgun makes it highly vulnerable to any disturbance, with ongoing coastal development and tourism infrastructure posing additional pressures. Climate change may further threaten this gecko through altered precipitation patterns affecting the humid microhabitats it requires.

Threat summary

Habitat

This gecko is endemic to limestone karst formations on Pulau Langgun in Malaysia, where it inhabits humid rock crevices and caves. The species requires specific microhabitat conditions found in the island's unique geological formations.

Forest· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionHabitat & natural process restorationSpecies managementSpecies recoveryAwareness & communications

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Cnemaspis scalpensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Cnemaspis scalpensis 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. Cnemaspis scalpensis faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to quarrying and mining activities in its limestone karst habitat. The species' extremely restricted range on Pulau Langgun makes it highly vulnerable to any disturbance, with ongoing coastal development and tourism infrastructure posing additional pressures. Climate change may further threaten this gecko through altered precipitation patterns affecting the humid microhabitats it requires.
Where does Cnemaspis scalpensis live?
Cnemaspis scalpensis occurs in Sri Lanka. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Cnemaspis scalpensis?
The main threats to Cnemaspis scalpensis are 1.1, 2.1, 4.1, and 5.3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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