Sombrero Ameiva
Pholidoscelis corvinus
Photo: Photo: (c) Toby Ross, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Toby Ross
Overview
The Sombrero ameiva, also known commonly as the Sombrero groundlizard, is a species of lizard in the family Teiidae. The species is endemic to Sombrero, a small, uninhabited island in the Lesser Antilles under the jurisdiction of Anguilla. The species was originally described in the genus Ameiva.
Pholidoscelis corvinus faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to coastal development and tourism infrastructure on its limited island range. Introduced predators, particularly cats and rats, pose significant predation pressure on this ground-dwelling lizard species. Climate change and sea-level rise threaten the low-lying coastal areas where this species occurs, while hurricane damage can devastate small island populations.
Habitat
This species inhabits coastal areas, dry scrublands, and rocky outcrops on small Caribbean islands. It typically occurs in low-elevation habitats near shorelines, including areas with sparse vegetation and sandy or rocky substrates.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in TEIIDAE
Threatened in Anguilla
Frequently asked questions
Why is Sombrero Ameiva classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Sombrero Ameiva live?
What are the main threats to Sombrero Ameiva?
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