Coleodactylus natalensis
EN

Coleodactylus natalensis

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Coleodactylus natalensis faces severe pressure from rapid urban expansion across its extremely limited range in coastal northeastern Brazil. The species' restriction to Atlantic Forest fragments makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation and degradation from residential and commercial development. Agricultural conversion and infrastructure projects continue to reduce the already small patches of suitable habitat, while introduced species and domestic animals pose additional predation pressure on this small gecko.

Threat summary

Habitat

This small gecko inhabits remnant Atlantic Forest fragments in coastal northeastern Brazil, particularly areas with dense vegetation cover and leaf litter. The species appears to prefer microhabitats with adequate moisture and shelter, including forest edges and secondary growth areas within its highly restricted range.

Other threatened species in SPHAERODACTYLIDAE

EN

Sphaerodactylus semasiops

Declining
EN

Jamaican Tailspot Sphaero

Sphaerodactylus dacnicolor

Declining
EN

Northern Jamaica Banded Sphaero

Sphaerodactylus richardsoni

Declining
Sphaerodactylus schubertiCR

Sphaerodactylus schuberti

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Coleodactylus natalensis classified as Endangered?
Coleodactylus natalensis 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. Coleodactylus natalensis faces severe pressure from rapid urban expansion across its extremely limited range in coastal northeastern Brazil. The species' restriction to Atlantic Forest fragments makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation and degradation from residential and commercial development. Agricultural conversion and infrastructure projects continue to reduce the already small patches of suitable habitat, while introduced species and domestic animals pose additional predation pressure on this small gecko.
Where does Coleodactylus natalensis live?
Coleodactylus natalensis 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 Coleodactylus natalensis?
The main threats to Coleodactylus natalensis 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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