Acmanthera cowanii
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Acmanthera cowanii faces significant pressure from ongoing deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited range in Madagascar's eastern rainforests. Agricultural expansion, particularly slash-and-burn cultivation, continues to reduce available habitat while logging operations target the mature forest canopy this species depends upon. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that could affect the humid microclimate conditions essential for this endemic plant's survival.
Habitat
Acmanthera cowanii is endemic to the humid lowland and montane rainforests of eastern Madagascar, typically found in the understory and forest edges at elevations between 200-1,200 meters. The species requires consistent moisture and shade provided by the dense forest canopy, often growing on forest floors with rich organic soil and high humidity levels.