EN

Colophon whitei

Unknown

Overview

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

Colophon whitei faces severe threats from habitat degradation due to invasive alien plant species that alter the fynbos vegetation structure essential for its survival. Climate change poses an additional significant risk, as this high-altitude endemic is restricted to specific temperature and moisture conditions on Table Mountain. Urban development pressure and recreational activities in the Cape Town area further fragment and degrade its limited montane habitat.

Threat summary

Habitat

This flightless beetle is endemic to the high-altitude fynbos vegetation of Table Mountain in the Western Cape, South Africa. It inhabits rocky outcrops and sandstone slopes between 800-1,200 meters elevation, where it depends on specific indigenous plant communities and soil conditions.

Other threatened species in LUCANIDAE

VU

Colophon stokoei

Unknown
CR

Colophon montisatris

Unknown
CR

Colophon berrisfordi

Unknown
VU

Colophon westwoodi

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Colophon whitei classified as Endangered?
Colophon whitei 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 whitei faces severe threats from habitat degradation due to invasive alien plant species that alter the fynbos vegetation structure essential for its survival. Climate change poses an additional significant risk, as this high-altitude endemic is restricted to specific temperature and moisture conditions on Table Mountain. Urban development pressure and recreational activities in the Cape Town area further fragment and degrade its limited montane habitat.
Where does Colophon whitei live?
Colophon whitei 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 whitei?
The main threats to Colophon whitei 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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