EN

Daphne sophia

DecliningENEUENEUENEUENEU

Overview

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

Daphne sophia faces severe pressure from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in the eastern Mediterranean. Overgrazing by livestock has degraded the shrubland ecosystems where this endemic daphne naturally occurs. Climate change poses an additional threat through increased drought stress and altered precipitation patterns that affect the species' already restricted populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

Daphne sophia inhabits dry shrublands, rocky slopes, and Mediterranean maquis vegetation at elevations between 200-800 meters. The species typically grows in calcareous soils among other drought-adapted shrubs and herbs in areas with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

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

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionEx-situ conservation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Daphne sophia classified as Endangered?
Daphne sophia 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. Daphne sophia faces severe pressure from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in the eastern Mediterranean. Overgrazing by livestock has degraded the shrubland ecosystems where this endemic daphne naturally occurs. Climate change poses an additional threat through increased drought stress and altered precipitation patterns that affect the species' already restricted populations.
Where does Daphne sophia live?
Daphne sophia occurs in Russia, and Ukraine. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Daphne sophia?
The main threats to Daphne sophia 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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