Cnemaspis samanalensis
CR

Cnemaspis samanalensis

Unknown

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 samanalensis faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and human settlement development in its restricted montane range. The species' extremely limited distribution on Samanala Kanda (Adam's Peak) makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, with tourism infrastructure development and associated habitat fragmentation posing additional risks. Climate change threatens to alter the specific microclimatic conditions this gecko requires in its high-elevation forest habitat.

Threat summary

Habitat

This gecko is endemic to the montane forests of Samanala Kanda (Adam's Peak) in Sri Lanka, inhabiting rocky outcrops and forest edges at elevations above 1,500 meters. It requires specific microclimatic conditions found in the moist montane zone, typically sheltering in rock crevices and among vegetation in these high-elevation ecosystems.

Forest· majorRocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionInvasive/problematic species controlSpecies recoveryAwareness & communications

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Cnemaspis samanalensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Cnemaspis samanalensis 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. Cnemaspis samanalensis faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and human settlement development in its restricted montane range. The species' extremely limited distribution on Samanala Kanda (Adam's Peak) makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, with tourism infrastructure development and associated habitat fragmentation posing additional risks. Climate change threatens to alter the specific microclimatic conditions this gecko requires in its high-elevation forest habitat.
Where does Cnemaspis samanalensis live?
Cnemaspis samanalensis occurs in Sri Lanka. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Cnemaspis samanalensis?
The main threats to Cnemaspis samanalensis are 1.1, 11.1, 11.2, and 3.2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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