Phrynocephalus golubewii
CR

Phrynocephalus golubewii

Declining

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

Overview

Phrynocephalus golubewii is a species of lizard in the family Agamidae. The species is endemic to Turkmenistan.

Phrynocephalus golubewii faces severe threats from extensive habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and livestock overgrazing in its limited range. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to local environmental changes and human activities. Mining operations and infrastructure development further fragment the remaining suitable habitat, while climate change may alter the delicate desert ecosystem conditions this specialized lizard requires.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits sandy and semi-desert areas with sparse vegetation, typically found in arid steppes and desert margins. It requires specific substrate conditions including loose sand and gravel areas with scattered shrubs that provide both shelter and foraging opportunities.

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionLegislation

Other threatened species in AGAMIDAE

EN

Monilesaurus acanthocephalus

Unknown
EN

Calotes manamendrai

Unknown
EN

Calotes pethiyagodai

Unknown
VU

Montane Rock Agama

Agama montana

Unknown

Threatened in Turkmenistan

VU

Lesser White-fronted Goose

Anser erythropus

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Asian HoubaraVU

Asian Houbara

Chlamydotis macqueenii

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VU

Urial

Ovis vignei

Declining
VU

Strongylognathus minutus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Phrynocephalus golubewii classified as Critically Endangered?
Phrynocephalus golubewii is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Phrynocephalus golubewii faces severe threats from extensive habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and livestock overgrazing in its limited range. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to local environmental changes and human activities. Mining operations and infrastructure development further fragment the remaining suitable habitat, while climate change may alter the delicate desert ecosystem conditions this specialized lizard requires.
Where does Phrynocephalus golubewii live?
Phrynocephalus golubewii occurs in Turkmenistan. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Phrynocephalus golubewii?
The main threats to Phrynocephalus golubewii are 2.1, 7.2, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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