VU

Darwiniothamnus alternifolius

Unknown

Overview

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

Darwiniothamnus alternifolius faces severe pressure from invasive plant species that outcompete native vegetation in its limited highland habitats across the Galápagos Islands. Habitat degradation from introduced herbivores, particularly goats and cattle, has altered the natural vegetation structure and reduced suitable growing conditions. Climate change poses an additional threat through shifting precipitation patterns and increased drought frequency, which could push this endemic shrub beyond its narrow ecological tolerance limits.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic shrub inhabits the humid highland zones of the Galápagos Islands, typically found in transitional areas between arid lowlands and moist upland forests at elevations between 200-600 meters. It grows in volcanic soils within native shrubland communities, often associated with other endemic Galápagos flora in areas that receive seasonal mist and rainfall.

Other threatened species in ASTERACEAE

EN

Bidens cosmoides

Declining
VU

Piptolepis monticola

Unknown
Libanothamnus parvulusCR

Libanothamnus parvulus

Declining
EN

Gynoxys neovelutina

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Darwiniothamnus alternifolius classified as Vulnerable?
Darwiniothamnus alternifolius 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. Darwiniothamnus alternifolius faces severe pressure from invasive plant species that outcompete native vegetation in its limited highland habitats across the Galápagos Islands. Habitat degradation from introduced herbivores, particularly goats and cattle, has altered the natural vegetation structure and reduced suitable growing conditions. Climate change poses an additional threat through shifting precipitation patterns and increased drought frequency, which could push this endemic shrub beyond its narrow ecological tolerance limits.
Where does Darwiniothamnus alternifolius live?
Darwiniothamnus alternifolius 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 Darwiniothamnus alternifolius?
The main threats to Darwiniothamnus alternifolius 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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