CR

Crotalus catalinensis

Declining

Overview

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

The Santa Catalina Island rattlesnake faces severe threats from its extremely restricted range on a single 194-square-kilometer island off Baja California. Introduced feral goats have degraded native vegetation communities that the species depends on, while cats pose a direct predation threat to juveniles. Climate change and potential sea level rise threaten the limited suitable habitat, and the tiny population size makes the species vulnerable to stochastic events and genetic bottlenecks.

Threat summary

Habitat

Endemic to Santa Catalina Island in the Gulf of California, this rattlesnake inhabits desert scrub, rocky slopes, and cactus-dominated areas from sea level to the island's highest elevations. The species shows preference for areas with dense vegetation cover and rocky outcrops that provide shelter and hunting opportunities.

Rocky areas· majorDesert· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Crotalus catalinensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Crotalus catalinensis 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. The Santa Catalina Island rattlesnake faces severe threats from its extremely restricted range on a single 194-square-kilometer island off Baja California. Introduced feral goats have degraded native vegetation communities that the species depends on, while cats pose a direct predation threat to juveniles. Climate change and potential sea level rise threaten the limited suitable habitat, and the tiny population size makes the species vulnerable to stochastic events and genetic bottlenecks.
Where does Crotalus catalinensis live?
Crotalus catalinensis occurs in Mexico. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Crotalus catalinensis?
The main threats to Crotalus catalinensis are 5.1, 5.1.1, 5.4, and 8.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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