VU

Echidnopsis socotrana

Unknown

Overview

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

Echidnopsis socotrana faces severe pressure from habitat degradation on Socotra Island, where overgrazing by introduced goats and cattle has dramatically altered the natural vegetation structure. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while infrastructure development and quarrying activities continue to fragment its already restricted habitat. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that could affect the delicate moisture balance this succulent requires.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic succulent inhabits rocky limestone slopes and cliff faces in the semi-arid highlands of Socotra Island, typically growing in crevices and on steep terrain between 200-800 meters elevation. It occurs in areas with sparse vegetation cover, often associated with other endemic Socotran succulents in the island's unique xerophytic shrubland communities.

Shrubland· majorRocky areas· major

Other threatened species in APOCYNACEAE

EN

Aspidosperma salgadense

Declining
EN

Rauvolfia steyermarkii

Declining
VU

Ceropegia rhynchantha

Declining
VU

Ceropegia loranthiflora

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Echidnopsis socotrana classified as Vulnerable?
Echidnopsis socotrana 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. Echidnopsis socotrana faces severe pressure from habitat degradation on Socotra Island, where overgrazing by introduced goats and cattle has dramatically altered the natural vegetation structure. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while infrastructure development and quarrying activities continue to fragment its already restricted habitat. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that could affect the delicate moisture balance this succulent requires.
Where does Echidnopsis socotrana live?
Echidnopsis socotrana 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 Echidnopsis socotrana?
The main threats to Echidnopsis socotrana 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.