Liolaemus isabelae
EN

Liolaemus isabelae

Declining

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

Overview

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

Liolaemus isabelae faces severe habitat degradation from mining activities and urban expansion within its restricted range in northern Chile. The species' specialized adaptation to high-altitude volcanic environments makes it particularly vulnerable to climate change, as warming temperatures force populations to retreat to increasingly limited suitable habitat at higher elevations. Agricultural development and livestock grazing further fragment the already small patches of suitable habitat, while introduced species may compete for resources or prey upon juveniles.

Threat summary

Habitat

This lizard species inhabits high-altitude volcanic slopes and rocky outcrops in the Andes Mountains of northern Chile, typically found in areas with sparse vegetation and well-drained soils. It occupies specialized microhabitats among rock crevices and boulder fields between 3,000-4,200 meters elevation, where it can thermoregulate effectively in the harsh montane environment.

Rocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionResource & habitat protection

Other threatened species in LIOLAEMIDAE

Liolaemus azaraiCR

Liolaemus azarai

Unknown
EN

Dragon of Torres-Mura

Liolaemus torresi

Declining
VU

Ctenoblepharys adspersa

Unknown
EN

Liolaemus arambarensis

Declining

Threatened in Chile

VU

Juan Fernandez Petrel

Pterodroma externa

Stable
VU

Black Petrel

Procellaria parkinsoni

Stable
VU

Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

Declining
VU

Pink-footed Shearwater

Ardenna creatopus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Liolaemus isabelae classified as Endangered?
Liolaemus isabelae 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. Liolaemus isabelae faces severe habitat degradation from mining activities and urban expansion within its restricted range in northern Chile. The species' specialized adaptation to high-altitude volcanic environments makes it particularly vulnerable to climate change, as warming temperatures force populations to retreat to increasingly limited suitable habitat at higher elevations. Agricultural development and livestock grazing further fragment the already small patches of suitable habitat, while introduced species may compete for resources or prey upon juveniles.
Where does Liolaemus isabelae live?
Liolaemus isabelae occurs in Chile. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Liolaemus isabelae?
The main threats to Liolaemus isabelae 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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