Shielded Worm Lizard
EN

Shielded Worm Lizard

Leposternon scutigerum

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Leposternon scutigerum faces severe population decline primarily due to agricultural expansion and urbanization across its limited range in southeastern Brazil. The species' fossorial lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable to soil disturbance from farming activities and construction projects. Habitat fragmentation has isolated remaining populations, reducing genetic diversity and limiting dispersal opportunities for this underground-dwelling amphisbaenian.

Threat summary

Habitat

This fossorial amphisbaenian inhabits sandy and loamy soils in Atlantic Forest remnants and adjacent agricultural areas of southeastern Brazil. It prefers well-drained soils with adequate moisture content that allow for efficient burrowing and foraging for invertebrate prey.

Other threatened species in AMPHISBAENIDAE

EN

Amphisbaena supernumeraria

Unknown
VU

Leposternon kisteumacheri

Unknown
EN

Amphisbaena uroxena

Unknown
EN

Cassine River Worm Lizard

Cynisca oligopholis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Shielded Worm Lizard classified as Endangered?
Shielded Worm Lizard is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Leposternon scutigerum faces severe population decline primarily due to agricultural expansion and urbanization across its limited range in southeastern Brazil. The species' fossorial lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable to soil disturbance from farming activities and construction projects. Habitat fragmentation has isolated remaining populations, reducing genetic diversity and limiting dispersal opportunities for this underground-dwelling amphisbaenian.
Where does Shielded Worm Lizard live?
Shielded Worm Lizard occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Shielded Worm Lizard?
The main threats to Shielded Worm Lizard 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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