EN

Cleistanthus travancorensis

Unknown

Overview

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

Cleistanthus travancorensis faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as its montane forest ecosystems in the Western Ghats are cleared for agriculture, plantations, and urban development. The species' extremely restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, with fragmentation isolating remaining populations and reducing genetic diversity. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the specific temperature and moisture conditions required by this endemic tree species.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic tree species inhabits montane evergreen forests in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India, typically occurring at elevations between 900-1500 meters. It grows in moist, shaded forest understories with rich, well-drained soils characteristic of tropical montane ecosystems.

Forest· major

Other threatened species in PHYLLANTHACEAE

EN

Phyllanthus deciduiramus

Declining
EN

Phyllanthus dumbeaensis

Declining
EN

Meineckia stipularis

Unknown
VU

Phyllanthus platycalyx

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Cleistanthus travancorensis classified as Endangered?
Cleistanthus travancorensis is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Cleistanthus travancorensis faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as its montane forest ecosystems in the Western Ghats are cleared for agriculture, plantations, and urban development. The species' extremely restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, with fragmentation isolating remaining populations and reducing genetic diversity. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the specific temperature and moisture conditions required by this endemic tree species.
Where does Cleistanthus travancorensis live?
Cleistanthus travancorensis 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 Cleistanthus travancorensis?
The main threats to Cleistanthus travancorensis 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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