VUVulnerable

Quassiremus evionthas

Local name: Galápagos Snake Eel

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galapagos_snake_eel

Overview

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

The Galápagos Snake Eel faces significant threats from its extremely limited range within the Galápagos Marine Reserve, making it vulnerable to localized environmental changes and human activities. Climate change poses a particular risk through ocean warming and acidification, which can alter the sandy bottom habitats and prey availability this species depends on. Increased tourism and marine traffic in the archipelago create additional pressures through potential habitat disturbance and pollution.
Threat summary

Habitat

The Galápagos Snake Eel inhabits sandy and muddy bottoms in shallow to moderate depths around the Galápagos Islands, typically burrowing in soft sediments where it hunts for small fish and invertebrates. This endemic species is restricted to the unique marine environment of the Galápagos archipelago, making it particularly vulnerable to regional environmental changes.

MARINE· major

Threatened in Colombia

Helena's Marsupial Frog

Gastrotheca helenae

Stable

Frequently asked questions

Why is Galápagos Snake Eel classified as Vulnerable?

Galápagos Snake Eel 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. The Galápagos Snake Eel faces significant threats from its extremely limited range within the Galápagos Marine Reserve, making it vulnerable to localized environmental changes and human activities. Climate change poses a particular risk through ocean warming and acidification, which can alter the sandy bottom habitats and prey availability this species depends on. Increased tourism and marine traffic in the archipelago create additional pressures through potential habitat disturbance and pollution.

Where does Galápagos Snake Eel live?

Galápagos Snake Eel occurs in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Mexico. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.

What are the main threats to Galápagos Snake Eel?

The main threats to Galápagos Snake Eel 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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