CR

Alstonia penangiana

Unknown

Overview

Alstonia penangiana is a species of plant in the family Apocynaceae. It is a tree endemic to Peninsular Malaysia.

Alstonia penangiana faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and habitat conversion throughout its native range in Peninsular Malaysia and southern Thailand. The species' large timber value has made it a target for selective logging, while rapid urban development and agricultural expansion have fragmented remaining forest patches. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering rainfall patterns essential for this moisture-dependent tree species.

Threat summary

Habitat

This large canopy tree inhabits lowland tropical rainforests and secondary forests up to 300 meters elevation, preferring well-drained soils in areas with consistent moisture. It occurs naturally in both primary forest reserves and disturbed forest edges throughout Peninsular Malaysia and adjacent regions of southern Thailand.

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recoveryEx-situ conservation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Alstonia penangiana classified as Critically Endangered?
Alstonia penangiana 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. Alstonia penangiana faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and habitat conversion throughout its native range in Peninsular Malaysia and southern Thailand. The species' large timber value has made it a target for selective logging, while rapid urban development and agricultural expansion have fragmented remaining forest patches. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering rainfall patterns essential for this moisture-dependent tree species.
Where does Alstonia penangiana live?
Alstonia penangiana occurs in Malaysia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Alstonia penangiana?
The main threats to Alstonia penangiana are 4.1, 5.3, 6.1, and ai-1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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