CR

Calamus sabalensis

Declining

Overview

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

Calamus sabalensis faces severe pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion across its limited range in the Philippines. The species is particularly vulnerable due to its restricted distribution and slow growth rate typical of climbing palms. Overcollection for rattan cane harvesting has further depleted wild populations, while habitat fragmentation prevents natural regeneration and genetic exchange between remaining populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

This climbing palm species inhabits tropical lowland and montane forests in the Philippines, typically growing in the understory where it climbs through the forest canopy using its spiny rachis extensions. It requires intact forest ecosystems with adequate canopy cover and is particularly associated with primary and secondary forest habitats.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical swamp· majorWetlands (inland) - Bogs, marshes, swamps, fens· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionEx-situ conservationLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Calamus sabalensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Calamus sabalensis 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. Calamus sabalensis faces severe pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion across its limited range in the Philippines. The species is particularly vulnerable due to its restricted distribution and slow growth rate typical of climbing palms. Overcollection for rattan cane harvesting has further depleted wild populations, while habitat fragmentation prevents natural regeneration and genetic exchange between remaining populations.
Where does Calamus sabalensis live?
Calamus sabalensis 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 Calamus sabalensis?
The main threats to Calamus sabalensis 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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