VU

Colophon westwoodi

Unknown

Overview

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

Colophon westwoodi faces severe pressure from habitat degradation caused by invasive alien vegetation, particularly pine and eucalyptus plantations that alter the natural fynbos ecosystem. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased fire frequency, which disrupts the species' specialized montane habitat requirements. Collection pressure from beetle enthusiasts has historically impacted populations, though this threat has diminished with increased conservation awareness.

Threat summary

Habitat

This flightless beetle is endemic to the high-altitude fynbos vegetation of the Western Cape mountains in South Africa, typically found at elevations above 1,000 meters. It inhabits rocky outcrops and well-drained slopes within pristine fynbos communities, requiring specific moisture and temperature conditions found in these montane ecosystems.

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 westwoodi classified as Vulnerable?
Colophon westwoodi 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. Colophon westwoodi faces severe pressure from habitat degradation caused by invasive alien vegetation, particularly pine and eucalyptus plantations that alter the natural fynbos ecosystem. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased fire frequency, which disrupts the species' specialized montane habitat requirements. Collection pressure from beetle enthusiasts has historically impacted populations, though this threat has diminished with increased conservation awareness.
Where does Colophon westwoodi live?
Colophon westwoodi 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 westwoodi?
The main threats to Colophon westwoodi 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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