CR

Berberis nilghiriensis

Unknown

Overview

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

Berberis nilghiriensis faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from expanding tea plantations and agricultural conversion in the Nilgiri Hills. The species is further threatened by invasive plant species that outcompete native vegetation and alter the montane ecosystem structure. Collection pressure for horticultural trade and traditional medicinal uses has additionally reduced wild populations of this endemic barberry.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic barberry occurs in montane shola forests and grassland margins of the Nilgiri Hills in the Western Ghats of southern India. It typically grows at elevations between 1,800-2,500 meters in cool, moist conditions among native shrubland communities.

Other threatened species in BERBERIDACEAE

VU

Berberis johnstonii

Stable
EN

Berberis incerta

Declining
EN

Berberis sumapazana

Unknown
VU

Mahonia oiwakensis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Berberis nilghiriensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Berberis nilghiriensis 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. Berberis nilghiriensis faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from expanding tea plantations and agricultural conversion in the Nilgiri Hills. The species is further threatened by invasive plant species that outcompete native vegetation and alter the montane ecosystem structure. Collection pressure for horticultural trade and traditional medicinal uses has additionally reduced wild populations of this endemic barberry.
Where does Berberis nilghiriensis live?
Berberis nilghiriensis occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Berberis nilghiriensis?
The main threats to Berberis nilghiriensis 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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