VU

Diospyros thwaitesii

Unknown

Overview

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

Diospyros thwaitesii faces severe pressure from deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited range in Sri Lanka's wet zone forests. The species is particularly vulnerable due to its restricted distribution and slow growth rate, making population recovery difficult once local populations are lost. Agricultural expansion and urban development continue to reduce the remaining forest patches where this endemic ebony species occurs.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Sri Lankan species inhabits lowland and mid-elevation wet zone rainforests, typically occurring in primary and well-developed secondary forest formations. It grows in the understory and canopy layers of these tropical rainforest ecosystems, which receive high annual rainfall and maintain year-round humidity.

Forest· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Diospyros thwaitesii classified as Vulnerable?
Diospyros thwaitesii 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. Diospyros thwaitesii faces severe pressure from deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited range in Sri Lanka's wet zone forests. The species is particularly vulnerable due to its restricted distribution and slow growth rate, making population recovery difficult once local populations are lost. Agricultural expansion and urban development continue to reduce the remaining forest patches where this endemic ebony species occurs.
Where does Diospyros thwaitesii live?
Diospyros thwaitesii occurs in Sri Lanka. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Diospyros thwaitesii?
The main threats to Diospyros thwaitesii 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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