CR

Exacum socotranum

Unknown

Overview

Exacum socotranum is a species of flowering plant in the family Gentianaceae. It is an annual endemic to the island of Socotra in Yemen. It grows near seepages on vertical cliffs of the island's southwestern limestone escarpment. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the species is currently critically endangered due to water diversion and housing development in its habitat.

Exacum socotranum faces severe threats from habitat degradation on Socotra Island, where overgrazing by introduced goats and cattle has dramatically altered the native vegetation communities. The species' extremely limited range makes it vulnerable to stochastic events, while ongoing development pressure and infrastructure expansion continue to fragment its already restricted habitat. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that could affect the delicate moisture balance required by this endemic plant.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic species is restricted to rocky limestone areas and cliff faces on Socotra Island, typically growing in crevices and on ledges where it can access moisture while avoiding direct competition with larger vegetation. It occupies specialized microhabitats within the island's unique semi-arid ecosystem, often associated with other Socotran endemic plants.

Rocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Ex-situ conservation

Other threatened species in GENTIANACEAE

VU

Gentianella sagasteguii

Unknown
VU

Anthocleista longifolia

Declining
VU

Fagraea oreophila

Stable
EN

Klackenbergia stricta

Declining

Threatened in Yemen

EN

Acropora mossambica

Declining
Asian HoubaraVU

Asian Houbara

Chlamydotis macqueenii

Declining
EN

Socotra Karst Crab

Socotra pseudocardisoma

Declining
EN

Socotra Freshwater Crab

Socotrapotamon socotrense

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Exacum socotranum classified as Critically Endangered?
Exacum socotranum 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. Exacum socotranum faces severe threats from habitat degradation on Socotra Island, where overgrazing by introduced goats and cattle has dramatically altered the native vegetation communities. The species' extremely limited range makes it vulnerable to stochastic events, while ongoing development pressure and infrastructure expansion continue to fragment its already restricted habitat. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that could affect the delicate moisture balance required by this endemic plant.
Where does Exacum socotranum live?
Exacum socotranum occurs in Yemen. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Exacum socotranum?
The main threats to Exacum socotranum are 1.1, 7.2, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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