Dypsis elegans
CR

Dypsis elegans

Unknown

Photo: (c) Louis Aureglia, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Louis Aureglia

Overview

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

Dypsis elegans faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development in Madagascar's coastal regions. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, with remaining populations fragmented across small forest patches. Overcollection for the ornamental plant trade has further reduced wild populations, as this attractive palm is highly sought after by collectors and landscapers.

Threat summary

Habitat

Dypsis elegans is endemic to Madagascar's eastern coastal lowland forests, typically found in humid tropical forest understories at elevations below 200 meters. The species requires well-drained soils and partial shade conditions characteristic of primary and secondary coastal forest ecosystems.

Forest - Subtropical/tropical moist lowland· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recovery

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Dypsis elegans classified as Critically Endangered?
Dypsis elegans 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 elegans faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development in Madagascar's coastal regions. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, with remaining populations fragmented across small forest patches. Overcollection for the ornamental plant trade has further reduced wild populations, as this attractive palm is highly sought after by collectors and landscapers.
Where does Dypsis elegans live?
Dypsis elegans 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 elegans?
The main threats to Dypsis elegans 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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