CR

Colophon cassoni

Unknown

Overview

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

Colophon cassoni faces severe threats from habitat degradation due to invasive alien vegetation, particularly pine and eucalyptus plantations that alter the natural fynbos ecosystem. Climate change poses an additional risk through altered precipitation patterns and increased fire frequency, which can destroy the specialized montane habitats this flightless beetle depends on. Urban development and agricultural expansion in the Western Cape region continue to fragment and reduce the already limited suitable habitat.

Threat summary

Habitat

This flightless beetle is endemic to high-altitude fynbos vegetation on specific mountain peaks in the Western Cape of South Africa. It inhabits rocky outcrops and indigenous shrubland between 1,000-1,500 meters elevation, requiring intact fynbos ecosystems with specific moisture and temperature conditions.

Other threatened species in LUCANIDAE

VU

Colophon stokoei

Unknown
CR

Colophon montisatris

Unknown
CR

Colophon berrisfordi

Unknown
EN

Colophon whitei

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Colophon cassoni classified as Critically Endangered?
Colophon cassoni 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. Colophon cassoni faces severe threats from habitat degradation due to invasive alien vegetation, particularly pine and eucalyptus plantations that alter the natural fynbos ecosystem. Climate change poses an additional risk through altered precipitation patterns and increased fire frequency, which can destroy the specialized montane habitats this flightless beetle depends on. Urban development and agricultural expansion in the Western Cape region continue to fragment and reduce the already limited suitable habitat.
Where does Colophon cassoni live?
Colophon cassoni 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 Colophon cassoni?
The main threats to Colophon cassoni 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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