CR

Coccoloba howardii

Unknown

Overview

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

Coccoloba howardii faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to coastal development and tourism infrastructure expansion along Puerto Rico's coastlines. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to hurricanes and storm surge events, which can devastate entire populations in single weather events. Agricultural conversion and urban sprawl continue to fragment the remaining coastal forest patches where this endemic tree survives.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Puerto Rican tree inhabits coastal dry forests and limestone hills, typically growing in well-drained soils near sea level. It occurs in remnant patches of coastal woodland that have largely been cleared for development throughout its historical range.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Coccoloba howardii classified as Critically Endangered?
Coccoloba howardii 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. Coccoloba howardii faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to coastal development and tourism infrastructure expansion along Puerto Rico's coastlines. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to hurricanes and storm surge events, which can devastate entire populations in single weather events. Agricultural conversion and urban sprawl continue to fragment the remaining coastal forest patches where this endemic tree survives.
Where does Coccoloba howardii live?
Coccoloba howardii 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 Coccoloba howardii?
The main threats to Coccoloba howardii 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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