CR

Juan de Nova Snake-eyed Skink

Cryptoblepharus caudatus

Declining

Overview

Cryptoblepharus caudatus is a species of lizard in the family Scincidae. It is endemic to Juan de Nova Island in Mozambique.

Cryptoblepharus caudatus faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to coastal development and tourism infrastructure on its limited island range. Introduced predators, particularly cats and rats, pose significant predation pressure on this small skink species. Sea level rise and increased storm intensity associated with climate change threaten the low-lying coastal habitats essential for the species' survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits coastal vegetation, rocky shores, and low-lying areas near beaches on small islands. It typically occupies areas with dense ground cover and rocky crevices that provide shelter and foraging opportunities.

Forest· majorMarine coastal/supratidal· majorRocky areas· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Juan de Nova Snake-eyed Skink classified as Critically Endangered?
Juan de Nova Snake-eyed Skink 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. Cryptoblepharus caudatus faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to coastal development and tourism infrastructure on its limited island range. Introduced predators, particularly cats and rats, pose significant predation pressure on this small skink species. Sea level rise and increased storm intensity associated with climate change threaten the low-lying coastal habitats essential for the species' survival.
Where does Juan de Nova Snake-eyed Skink live?
Juan de Nova Snake-eyed Skink occurs in Mozambique. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Juan de Nova Snake-eyed Skink?
The main threats to Juan de Nova Snake-eyed Skink are 11.1, 8.1, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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