Cnemaspis retigalensis
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.
Cnemaspis retigalensis faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and human settlement development within its extremely limited range in Sri Lanka's wet zone. The species' restriction to specific rock outcrop microhabitats makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while its small population size increases extinction risk from stochastic events. Climate change poses additional pressure through altered precipitation patterns affecting the humid conditions this gecko requires.
Habitat
This gecko inhabits humid rock outcrops and associated vegetation in Sri Lanka's wet zone, typically found on granite formations with crevices and moss-covered surfaces. The species requires specific microhabitat conditions including high humidity levels and stable temperatures provided by the wet zone's tropical climate.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in GEKKONIDAE
Threatened in Sri Lanka
Frequently asked questions
Why is Cnemaspis retigalensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Cnemaspis retigalensis live?
What are the main threats to Cnemaspis retigalensis?
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