CR

Chionanthus albidiflorus

Unknown

Overview

Chionanthus albidiflorus is a species of flowering plant in the family Oleaceae. It is endemic to Sri Lanka.

Chionanthus albidiflorus faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, with remaining populations fragmented and isolated. Invasive plant species compete for resources in its native habitat, while climate change alters the specific environmental conditions this endemic species requires for survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic species inhabits subtropical montane forests and woodland edges at specific elevations, typically in areas with well-drained soils and moderate rainfall. It occurs in fragmented forest patches where it grows as an understory or edge species in mixed deciduous woodland communities.

Forest - Subtropical/tropical moist lowland· major

Other threatened species in OLEACEAE

VU

Priogymnanthus colombianus

Declining
EN

Noronhia clarinerva

Declining
EN

Noronhia armandiana

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VU

Noronhia coriacea

Declining

Threatened in Sri Lanka

Indian Star TortoiseVU

Indian Star Tortoise

Geochelone elegans

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EN

Ceylonosticta nietneri

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EN

Lipstick Goby

Sicyopus jonklaasi

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EN

Martenstyni's Barb

Systomus martenstyni

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Chionanthus albidiflorus classified as Critically Endangered?
Chionanthus albidiflorus 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. Chionanthus albidiflorus faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, with remaining populations fragmented and isolated. Invasive plant species compete for resources in its native habitat, while climate change alters the specific environmental conditions this endemic species requires for survival.
Where does Chionanthus albidiflorus live?
Chionanthus albidiflorus occurs in Sri Lanka. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Chionanthus albidiflorus?
The main threats to Chionanthus albidiflorus 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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