VU

Chionanthus jamaicensis

Unknown

Overview

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

Chionanthus jamaicensis faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as Jamaica's montane forests are cleared for agriculture, urban development, and infrastructure projects. The species' restricted range in the Blue Mountains makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while invasive plant species compete for resources in its native forest habitat. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the cool, moist conditions this endemic tree requires at higher elevations.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Jamaican tree inhabits montane forests in the Blue Mountains, typically growing at elevations between 1,200-2,000 meters in cool, moist conditions. It occurs in both primary and secondary forest habitats, often along ridges and slopes where cloud cover provides consistent moisture.

Forest· major

Other threatened species in OLEACEAE

VU

Priogymnanthus colombianus

Declining
EN

Noronhia clarinerva

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EN

Noronhia armandiana

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VU

Noronhia coriacea

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Chionanthus jamaicensis classified as Vulnerable?
Chionanthus jamaicensis 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. Chionanthus jamaicensis faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as Jamaica's montane forests are cleared for agriculture, urban development, and infrastructure projects. The species' restricted range in the Blue Mountains makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while invasive plant species compete for resources in its native forest habitat. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the cool, moist conditions this endemic tree requires at higher elevations.
Where does Chionanthus jamaicensis live?
Chionanthus jamaicensis 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 Chionanthus jamaicensis?
The main threats to Chionanthus jamaicensis 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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