Hispaniolan Tailspot Sphaero
CR

Hispaniolan Tailspot Sphaero

Sphaerodactylus epiurus

Declining

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

Overview

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

Sphaerodactylus epiurus faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to urban development and agricultural expansion across its limited range in the Dominican Republic. The species' extremely small population size and restricted distribution make it highly vulnerable to stochastic events and further habitat fragmentation. Introduced predators and competitors may also pose significant risks to remaining populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic gecko inhabits dry forests and scrubland areas of the Dominican Republic, typically found in leaf litter and under rocks or fallen logs. The species appears to prefer areas with dense ground cover and moderate canopy coverage that provide suitable microhabitats for foraging and shelter.

Rocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protection

Other threatened species in SPHAERODACTYLIDAE

Gray GeckoVU

Gray Gecko

Sphaerodactylus cinereus

Declining
VU

Gonatodes tapajonicus

Unknown
EN

Teratoscincus rustamowi

Declining
Haitian Striped SphaeroCR

Haitian Striped Sphaero

Sphaerodactylus williamsi

Declining

Threatened in Dominican Republic

Hispaniola PupfishEN

Hispaniola Pupfish

Cyprinodon bondi

Unknown
Humped BladderwortCR

Humped Bladderwort

Utricularia gibba

Unknown
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Black-throated Stout Anole

Anolis armouri

Unknown
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Bay-breasted Cuckoo

Coccyzus rufigularis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Hispaniolan Tailspot Sphaero classified as Critically Endangered?
Hispaniolan Tailspot Sphaero 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. Sphaerodactylus epiurus faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to urban development and agricultural expansion across its limited range in the Dominican Republic. The species' extremely small population size and restricted distribution make it highly vulnerable to stochastic events and further habitat fragmentation. Introduced predators and competitors may also pose significant risks to remaining populations.
Where does Hispaniolan Tailspot Sphaero live?
Hispaniolan Tailspot Sphaero occurs in Dominican Republic, and Haiti. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Hispaniolan Tailspot Sphaero?
The main threats to Hispaniolan Tailspot Sphaero are 2.1, 3.2, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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