CR

Gonave Worm Lizard

Amphisbaena gonavensis

Declining

Overview

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

Amphisbaena gonavensis faces severe threats from habitat destruction on Gonâve Island, Haiti, where deforestation for agriculture and charcoal production has eliminated much of its native dry forest habitat. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to local environmental changes and human activities. Introduced predators and competitors may further threaten remaining populations in this highly degraded island ecosystem.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic amphisbaenian inhabits the remaining dry forests and scrublands of Gonâve Island, Haiti. It likely occupies loose soils and leaf litter in areas with adequate vegetation cover for its fossorial lifestyle.

Conservation measures underway

Species recovery

Other threatened species in AMPHISBAENIDAE

EN

Amphisbaena carvalhoi

Unknown
EN

Cassine River Worm Lizard

Cynisca oligopholis

Unknown
VU

Leposternon kisteumacheri

Unknown
EN

Amphisbaena supernumeraria

Unknown

Threatened in Haiti

EN

Reynosia cuneifolia

Declining
VU

Neea collina

Declining
EN

Neea demissa

Declining
EN

Plinia caricensis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Gonave Worm Lizard classified as Critically Endangered?
Gonave Worm Lizard 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. Amphisbaena gonavensis faces severe threats from habitat destruction on Gonâve Island, Haiti, where deforestation for agriculture and charcoal production has eliminated much of its native dry forest habitat. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to local environmental changes and human activities. Introduced predators and competitors may further threaten remaining populations in this highly degraded island ecosystem.
Where does Gonave Worm Lizard live?
Gonave Worm Lizard occurs in Haiti. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Gonave Worm Lizard?
The main threats to Gonave Worm Lizard are 2.1, 5.3, 9.4, and ai-1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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