EN

Serpentine Four-toed Galliwasp

Celestus agasepsoides

Unknown

Overview

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

The Serpentine Four-toed Galliwasp faces severe habitat degradation from mining activities targeting serpentine soils, which destroy the specialized ultramafic substrates essential for its survival. Agricultural expansion and urban development have further fragmented its already restricted range in Jamaica's Blue Mountains. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental disturbances and climate-induced changes to its montane forest ecosystem.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Jamaican lizard inhabits montane forests growing on serpentine soils in the Blue Mountains, typically at elevations between 900-1,500 meters. It requires the specialized ultramafic substrate conditions created by serpentine geology, living among leaf litter and low vegetation in these unique forest ecosystems.

Other threatened species in Diploglossidae

Giant Hispaniolan GalliwaspCR

Giant Hispaniolan Galliwasp

Celestus anelpistus

Unknown
Darlington's GalliwaspEN

Darlington's Galliwasp

Celestus darlingtoni

Unknown
EN

Hispaniolan Earless Galliwasp

Celestus haetianus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Serpentine Four-toed Galliwasp classified as Endangered?
Serpentine Four-toed Galliwasp is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. The Serpentine Four-toed Galliwasp faces severe habitat degradation from mining activities targeting serpentine soils, which destroy the specialized ultramafic substrates essential for its survival. Agricultural expansion and urban development have further fragmented its already restricted range in Jamaica's Blue Mountains. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental disturbances and climate-induced changes to its montane forest ecosystem.
Where does Serpentine Four-toed Galliwasp live?
Serpentine Four-toed Galliwasp occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Serpentine Four-toed Galliwasp?
The main threats to Serpentine Four-toed Galliwasp are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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