EN

Dioscorea choriandra

Unknown

Overview

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

Dioscorea choriandra faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in Madagascar's eastern rainforests. The species' tuberous roots are harvested for traditional medicine and food, leading to overexploitation of wild populations. Slash-and-burn agriculture for rice cultivation has fragmented its forest habitat, while mining activities further degrade remaining patches of suitable terrain.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic yam species inhabits Madagascar's eastern rainforest understory, typically growing in humid, well-drained soils at elevations between 800-1,500 meters. It requires the shade and moisture provided by intact forest canopy, making it particularly vulnerable to deforestation.

Other threatened species in DIOSCOREACEAE

CR

Dioscorea tabatae

Declining
VU

Dioscorea kituiensis

Unknown
VU

Dioscorea mundii

Declining
EN

Dioscorea irodensis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Dioscorea choriandra classified as Endangered?
Dioscorea choriandra 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. Dioscorea choriandra faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in Madagascar's eastern rainforests. The species' tuberous roots are harvested for traditional medicine and food, leading to overexploitation of wild populations. Slash-and-burn agriculture for rice cultivation has fragmented its forest habitat, while mining activities further degrade remaining patches of suitable terrain.
Where does Dioscorea choriandra live?
Dioscorea choriandra 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 Dioscorea choriandra?
The main threats to Dioscorea choriandra 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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