CR

Cryptocarya elliptifolia

Declining

Overview

Cryptocarya elliptifolia is a species of small evergreen tree in the family Lauraceae. It is native to the Philippines and Orchid Island in Taiwan. It is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Cryptocarya elliptifolia faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and habitat conversion for agricultural development across its limited range. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, with remaining populations fragmented and isolated. Mining activities and infrastructure development have further reduced available habitat, while the species' slow growth rate limits its ability to recover from disturbances.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits tropical montane forests and cloud forests at elevations between 800-1,500 meters. It typically grows in moist, well-drained soils within primary forest ecosystems that maintain consistent humidity and temperature conditions.

Forest· majorForest - Temperate· major

Conservation measures underway

Ex-situ conservation

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CR

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Unknown
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Frequently asked questions

Why is Cryptocarya elliptifolia classified as Critically Endangered?
Cryptocarya elliptifolia 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. Cryptocarya elliptifolia faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and habitat conversion for agricultural development across its limited range. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, with remaining populations fragmented and isolated. Mining activities and infrastructure development have further reduced available habitat, while the species' slow growth rate limits its ability to recover from disturbances.
Where does Cryptocarya elliptifolia live?
Cryptocarya elliptifolia occurs in China, Philippines, and Taiwan. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Cryptocarya elliptifolia?
The main threats to Cryptocarya elliptifolia are 1.1, 2.1, 5.3, and ai-1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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