VU

Erythroxylum jamaicense

Unknown

Overview

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

Erythroxylum jamaicense faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as Jamaica's natural forests are cleared for agriculture, urban development, and infrastructure projects. The species' limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, with remaining populations fragmented across increasingly isolated forest patches. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased hurricane intensity, which can devastate the small remaining stands of this endemic shrub.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Jamaican species inhabits dry limestone forests and woodland areas, typically found on rocky slopes and hillsides in the island's interior regions. It grows in well-drained soils among other native shrubs and small trees in areas that receive moderate rainfall.

Forest· majorRocky areas· major

Other threatened species in ERYTHROXYLACEAE

VU

Erythroxylum capitatum

Declining
VU

Erythroxylum clarense

Stable
VU

Erythroxylum kochummenii

Unknown
VU

Erythroxylum carthagenense

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Erythroxylum jamaicense classified as Vulnerable?
Erythroxylum jamaicense 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. Erythroxylum jamaicense faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as Jamaica's natural forests are cleared for agriculture, urban development, and infrastructure projects. The species' limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, with remaining populations fragmented across increasingly isolated forest patches. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased hurricane intensity, which can devastate the small remaining stands of this endemic shrub.
Where does Erythroxylum jamaicense live?
Erythroxylum jamaicense 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 Erythroxylum jamaicense?
The main threats to Erythroxylum jamaicense 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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