CR

Dypsis digitata

Unknown

Overview

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

Dypsis digitata faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and slash-and-burn farming practices that have fragmented its remaining forest habitat in Madagascar. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized habitat destruction, while collection for the horticultural trade poses an additional threat to wild populations. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering the specific microclimatic conditions this palm requires in its montane forest environment.

Threat summary

Habitat

Dypsis digitata is endemic to the montane rainforests of eastern Madagascar, occurring at elevations between 800-1,200 meters. The species requires the humid, shaded understory conditions of primary forest ecosystems with consistent moisture levels and protection from direct sunlight.

Forest· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recovery

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Dypsis digitata classified as Critically Endangered?
Dypsis digitata is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Dypsis digitata faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and slash-and-burn farming practices that have fragmented its remaining forest habitat in Madagascar. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized habitat destruction, while collection for the horticultural trade poses an additional threat to wild populations. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering the specific microclimatic conditions this palm requires in its montane forest environment.
Where does Dypsis digitata live?
Dypsis digitata occurs in Madagascar. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Dypsis digitata?
The main threats to Dypsis digitata are 2.1, 5.3, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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