VU

Aloe massawana

Declining

Overview

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

Aloe massawana faces significant pressure from habitat degradation in its native range across Eritrea and northern Ethiopia. The species is particularly vulnerable to overgrazing by livestock, which damages both individual plants and the fragile semi-arid ecosystems they depend upon. Urban expansion and agricultural conversion in the Horn of Africa region continue to fragment remaining populations, while collection for traditional medicine and ornamental trade adds additional stress to wild populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

Aloe massawana inhabits rocky slopes, escarpments, and semi-arid scrublands in the Horn of Africa, typically growing on well-drained soils at elevations between 500-2000 meters. The species thrives in areas with sparse vegetation cover, often establishing on cliff faces and rocky outcrops where it can access adequate drainage while avoiding competition from larger shrubs.

Marine coastal/supratidal· majorMarine neritic· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protection

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Aloe massawana classified as Vulnerable?
Aloe massawana 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. Aloe massawana faces significant pressure from habitat degradation in its native range across Eritrea and northern Ethiopia. The species is particularly vulnerable to overgrazing by livestock, which damages both individual plants and the fragile semi-arid ecosystems they depend upon. Urban expansion and agricultural conversion in the Horn of Africa region continue to fragment remaining populations, while collection for traditional medicine and ornamental trade adds additional stress to wild populations.
Where does Aloe massawana live?
Aloe massawana occurs in Eritrea, Kenya, and Tanzania. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Aloe massawana?
The main threats to Aloe massawana 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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