Yamashina's Ground Gecko
CR

Yamashina's Ground Gecko

Goniurosaurus yamashinae

Declining

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamashina's_ground_gecko

Overview

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

Goniurosaurus yamashinae faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to limestone quarrying and urban development in its restricted range on Okinawa Island. The species is further threatened by collection for the international pet trade, which targets these distinctive cave geckos. Climate change poses additional risks through altered cave microclimates and increased storm intensity affecting their fragile karst habitat.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic gecko inhabits limestone caves and karst formations on Okinawa Island, Japan, preferring humid cave environments and rocky crevices. The species is restricted to specific geological formations that provide the precise microclimate conditions necessary for survival.

Forest· major

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Toyama's Ground Gecko

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Yamashina's Ground Gecko classified as Critically Endangered?
Yamashina's Ground 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. Goniurosaurus yamashinae faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to limestone quarrying and urban development in its restricted range on Okinawa Island. The species is further threatened by collection for the international pet trade, which targets these distinctive cave geckos. Climate change poses additional risks through altered cave microclimates and increased storm intensity affecting their fragile karst habitat.
Where does Yamashina's Ground Gecko live?
Yamashina's Ground Gecko occurs in Japan. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Yamashina's Ground Gecko?
The main threats to Yamashina's Ground Gecko are 1.1, 4.1, 5.4, and ai-1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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