CR

TerreNueve Least Gecko

Sphaerodactylus sommeri

Declining

Overview

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

Sphaerodactylus sommeri faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to urban development and tourism infrastructure expansion across its limited range in the Caribbean. The species' extremely small population size makes it highly vulnerable to stochastic events, while introduced predators such as cats and rats pose additional pressure on remaining individuals. Climate change-induced sea level rise and increased hurricane intensity further threaten the coastal and low-elevation habitats this gecko depends upon.

Threat summary

Habitat

This diminutive gecko inhabits dry coastal forests, scrublands, and rocky outcrops in low-elevation areas of the Caribbean. It typically shelters under rocks, fallen logs, and leaf litter in areas with sparse to moderate vegetation cover.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical dry· majorRocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recovery

Other threatened species in SPHAERODACTYLIDAE

Gray GeckoVU

Gray Gecko

Sphaerodactylus cinereus

Declining
EN

Cockpit Eyespot Sphaero

Sphaerodactylus semasiops

Declining
EN

Jamaican Tailspot Sphaero

Sphaerodactylus dacnicolor

Declining
EN

Northern Jamaica Banded Sphaero

Sphaerodactylus richardsoni

Declining

Threatened in Haiti

EN

Titan Worm Snake

Typhlops titanops

Declining
Hispaniola PupfishEN

Hispaniola Pupfish

Cyprinodon bondi

Unknown
Oriente Yellow-mottled FrogVU

Oriente Yellow-mottled Frog

Eleutherodactylus ricordii

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is TerreNueve Least Gecko classified as Critically Endangered?
TerreNueve Least Gecko 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. Sphaerodactylus sommeri faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to urban development and tourism infrastructure expansion across its limited range in the Caribbean. The species' extremely small population size makes it highly vulnerable to stochastic events, while introduced predators such as cats and rats pose additional pressure on remaining individuals. Climate change-induced sea level rise and increased hurricane intensity further threaten the coastal and low-elevation habitats this gecko depends upon.
Where does TerreNueve Least Gecko live?
TerreNueve Least Gecko occurs in Haiti. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to TerreNueve Least Gecko?
The main threats to TerreNueve Least Gecko are 2.1, 5.3, 5.4, and ai-1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.