EN

Desmodium kaalense

Declining

Overview

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

Desmodium kaalense faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and livestock grazing in its limited range within the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, while collection for traditional medicinal uses adds additional pressure on remaining populations. Climate change poses an emerging threat as shifting precipitation patterns affect the montane forest ecosystems this endemic legume depends upon.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic legume inhabits montane forest edges and clearings in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania, typically occurring at elevations between 1,200-2,000 meters. It favors disturbed forest margins and secondary growth areas with well-drained soils and partial shade conditions.

Shrubland· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionEx-situ conservationLegislation

Other threatened species in FABACEAE

VU

Lonchocarpus crassispermus

Declining
CR

Machaerium orthocarpum

Declining
VU

Senna saeri

Declining
VU

Senna viciifolia

Declining

Threatened in New Caledonia

EN

Phyllanthus deciduiramus

Declining
VU

Copper Shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus

Declining
EN

Phyllanthus dumbeaensis

Declining
VU

Pittosporum croceum

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Desmodium kaalense classified as Endangered?
Desmodium kaalense 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. Desmodium kaalense faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and livestock grazing in its limited range within the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, while collection for traditional medicinal uses adds additional pressure on remaining populations. Climate change poses an emerging threat as shifting precipitation patterns affect the montane forest ecosystems this endemic legume depends upon.
Where does Desmodium kaalense live?
Desmodium kaalense occurs in New Caledonia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Desmodium kaalense?
The main threats to Desmodium kaalense 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.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.