VU

Xantusia gracilis

Unknown

Overview

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

Xantusia gracilis faces significant pressure from habitat degradation in its limited range within the Baja California Peninsula. Urban development and agricultural expansion have fragmented the desert scrub and rocky outcrop habitats essential for this species. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased temperatures that may exceed the thermal tolerance of this small lizard.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits desert scrubland and rocky outcrops in the Baja California Peninsula, typically found under rocks and in crevices where it can regulate its body temperature. It prefers areas with sparse vegetation and well-drained soils characteristic of the Sonoran Desert ecosystem.

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protection

Other threatened species in XANTUSIIDAE

EN

Lipetz's Tropical Night Lizard

Lepidophyma lipetzi

Declining
VU

Lepidophyma micropholis

Unknown
VU

Lepidophyma gaigeae

Declining

Threatened in United States

VU

Lepiota echinella

Unknown
VU

Paddlefish

Polyodon spathula

Unknown
VU

Copper Shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus

Declining
EN

Lyophyllum deliberatum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Xantusia gracilis classified as Vulnerable?
Xantusia gracilis is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Xantusia gracilis faces significant pressure from habitat degradation in its limited range within the Baja California Peninsula. Urban development and agricultural expansion have fragmented the desert scrub and rocky outcrop habitats essential for this species. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased temperatures that may exceed the thermal tolerance of this small lizard.
Where does Xantusia gracilis live?
Xantusia gracilis occurs in United States. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Xantusia gracilis?
The main threats to Xantusia gracilis 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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