EN

Cryptocarya natalensis

Unknown

Overview

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

Cryptocarya natalensis faces severe pressure from coastal development and urban expansion along South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal coastline, where its remaining forest fragments are increasingly isolated. Agricultural conversion and invasive plant species further degrade its specialized coastal forest habitat, while the species' limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances and extreme weather events.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic tree species inhabits coastal forests and dune forests along the eastern coast of South Africa, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal province. It grows in the understory and canopy of these specialized coastal ecosystems, which are characterized by sandy soils and proximity to marine influences.

Forest· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent rivers/streams· major

Other threatened species in LAURACEAE

CR

Cryptocarya subtrinervis

Unknown
EN

Steyermark Pleurothyrium

Pleurothyrium steyermarkianum

Declining
CR

Cryptocarya pergamentacea

Unknown
CR

Mespilodaphne paradoxa

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Cryptocarya natalensis classified as Endangered?
Cryptocarya natalensis 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. Cryptocarya natalensis faces severe pressure from coastal development and urban expansion along South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal coastline, where its remaining forest fragments are increasingly isolated. Agricultural conversion and invasive plant species further degrade its specialized coastal forest habitat, while the species' limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances and extreme weather events.
Where does Cryptocarya natalensis live?
Cryptocarya natalensis 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 Cryptocarya natalensis?
The main threats to Cryptocarya natalensis 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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