EN

Colophon thunbergi

Unknown

Overview

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

Colophon thunbergi faces severe threats from habitat degradation due to invasive alien plant species that alter the fynbos ecosystem structure and composition. Climate change poses an additional significant risk, as this flightless beetle is restricted to high-altitude mountain peaks where temperature increases force populations into increasingly smaller suitable areas. Urban development and recreational activities in the Western Cape mountains further fragment and degrade the specialized fynbos habitats this species requires.

Threat summary

Habitat

This flightless beetle is endemic to the high-altitude fynbos vegetation of the Western Cape mountains in South Africa, typically found on rocky slopes and peaks above 1000 meters elevation. The species requires intact fynbos ecosystems with specific plant communities that provide both food resources and shelter within the Mediterranean-climate mountain environment.

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 thunbergi classified as Endangered?
Colophon thunbergi 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. Colophon thunbergi faces severe threats from habitat degradation due to invasive alien plant species that alter the fynbos ecosystem structure and composition. Climate change poses an additional significant risk, as this flightless beetle is restricted to high-altitude mountain peaks where temperature increases force populations into increasingly smaller suitable areas. Urban development and recreational activities in the Western Cape mountains further fragment and degrade the specialized fynbos habitats this species requires.
Where does Colophon thunbergi live?
Colophon thunbergi 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 thunbergi?
The main threats to Colophon thunbergi 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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