VU

Echinacanthus lofuensis

Unknown

Overview

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

Echinacanthus lofuensis faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as limestone karst forests in southern China are cleared for agriculture and urban development. The species' extremely restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to local disturbances, while overcollection for traditional medicine and ornamental trade has further reduced wild populations. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the specific microhabitat conditions this endemic species requires.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species is endemic to limestone karst forests and rocky outcrops in the Luofu Mountains of Guangdong Province, China. It typically grows in shaded crevices and on moss-covered limestone surfaces in subtropical montane forests.

Other threatened species in ACANTHACEAE

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Justicia orbicularis

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EN

Isoglossa congesta

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Brachystephanus kupeensisCR

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VU

Whitfieldia preussii

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Echinacanthus lofuensis classified as Vulnerable?
Echinacanthus lofuensis 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. Echinacanthus lofuensis faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as limestone karst forests in southern China are cleared for agriculture and urban development. The species' extremely restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to local disturbances, while overcollection for traditional medicine and ornamental trade has further reduced wild populations. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the specific microhabitat conditions this endemic species requires.
Where does Echinacanthus lofuensis live?
Echinacanthus lofuensis 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 Echinacanthus lofuensis?
The main threats to Echinacanthus lofuensis 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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