Baphia speciosa
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Baphia speciosa faces severe pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion across its West African range, particularly in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire where cocoa farming has eliminated vast areas of primary forest. Logging operations target this valuable timber species for its durable hardwood, leading to direct population decline. Urban development and infrastructure projects continue to fragment remaining forest patches, isolating populations and reducing genetic diversity.
Habitat
Baphia speciosa occurs in lowland tropical rainforests and secondary forest formations across West Africa, typically in areas with high rainfall and rich, well-drained soils. The species is found from sea level to approximately 500 meters elevation, preferring the understory and middle canopy layers of both primary and mature secondary forests.
