Pastaza River Caecilian
VU

Pastaza River Caecilian

Oscaecilia bassleri

Unknown

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

Overview

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

The Pastaza River Caecilian faces significant pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion throughout its Amazonian range, particularly affecting the moist soil environments essential for its fossorial lifestyle. Mining activities and infrastructure development in the Pastaza River basin further fragment its habitat, while pollution from agricultural runoff degrades the water quality of streams where this species likely breeds.

Threat summary

Habitat

This fossorial caecilian inhabits the moist soils of lowland Amazonian rainforests, particularly in areas near streams and rivers in the Pastaza River drainage system. It requires consistently humid soil conditions and is typically found in primary forest environments with rich organic matter.

Threatened in Brazil

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
CR

Sao Bento Button Frog

Cycloramphus diringshofeni

Unknown
CR

Atlantic Helicopter

Platystigma pronoti

Unknown
Artichoke CoralCR

Artichoke Coral

Scolymia cubensis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Pastaza River Caecilian classified as Vulnerable?
Pastaza River Caecilian is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Pastaza River Caecilian faces significant pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion throughout its Amazonian range, particularly affecting the moist soil environments essential for its fossorial lifestyle. Mining activities and infrastructure development in the Pastaza River basin further fragment its habitat, while pollution from agricultural runoff degrades the water quality of streams where this species likely breeds.
Where does Pastaza River Caecilian live?
Pastaza River Caecilian occurs in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Pastaza River Caecilian?
The main threats to Pastaza River Caecilian 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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