Rhinophis punctatus
Photo: (c) Sanjaya Kanishka, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Sanjaya Kanishka
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Rhinophis punctatus faces severe threats from rapid deforestation and agricultural expansion across its limited range in Sri Lanka's wet zone forests. The species' highly specialized burrowing lifestyle and dependence on intact forest floor conditions make it extremely vulnerable to habitat fragmentation and soil disturbance from development activities. Tea plantation expansion and urban development have eliminated much of its historical habitat, while climate change threatens to alter the moisture regimes essential for this fossorial snake's survival.
Habitat
This fossorial snake inhabits the leaf litter and upper soil layers of Sri Lanka's tropical wet zone forests, particularly in areas with high humidity and rich organic soil. It requires intact forest floor conditions with minimal disturbance, making it highly dependent on primary and well-established secondary forests.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in UROPELTIDAE
Threatened in Sri Lanka
Frequently asked questions
Why is Rhinophis punctatus classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Rhinophis punctatus live?
What are the main threats to Rhinophis punctatus?
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