VU

Blepharis spiculifolia

Unknown

Overview

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

Blepharis spiculifolia faces significant pressure from agricultural expansion and overgrazing in its native range across eastern Africa. The species' specialized habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to land conversion for crop cultivation and livestock grazing, which fragments and degrades the dry grassland and scrubland ecosystems it depends upon. Climate variability and prolonged drought periods further stress remaining populations by reducing suitable habitat and affecting reproductive success.

Threat summary

Habitat

Blepharis spiculifolia inhabits dry grasslands, open scrublands, and semi-arid savannas across eastern Africa, typically growing in sandy or rocky soils at elevations between 500-1,800 meters. The species thrives in areas with seasonal rainfall patterns and is often found along roadsides, field margins, and disturbed ground where competition from other vegetation is reduced.

Marine coastal/supratidal· majorShrubland· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Blepharis spiculifolia classified as Vulnerable?
Blepharis spiculifolia 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. Blepharis spiculifolia faces significant pressure from agricultural expansion and overgrazing in its native range across eastern Africa. The species' specialized habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to land conversion for crop cultivation and livestock grazing, which fragments and degrades the dry grassland and scrubland ecosystems it depends upon. Climate variability and prolonged drought periods further stress remaining populations by reducing suitable habitat and affecting reproductive success.
Where does Blepharis spiculifolia live?
Blepharis spiculifolia 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 Blepharis spiculifolia?
The main threats to Blepharis spiculifolia 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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