VU

Gaertnera walkeri

Unknown

Overview

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

Gaertnera walkeri faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as Sri Lanka's montane forests are cleared for agriculture and development. The species' restricted range in the island's central highlands makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, with fragmentation isolating remaining populations. Climate change poses an additional risk by altering the cool, humid conditions this endemic shrub requires for survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Sri Lankan shrub inhabits montane forests and cloud forests in the central highlands, typically growing in cool, humid conditions at elevations between 1,200-2,000 meters. It thrives in the understory of primary and secondary forests where moisture levels remain consistently high.

Other threatened species in RUBIACEAE

EN

Arachnothryx tacanensis

Declining
CR

Arachnothryx tenorioi

Unknown
VU

Aidia abeidii

Unknown
EN

Arachnothryx tuxtlensis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Gaertnera walkeri classified as Vulnerable?
Gaertnera walkeri 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. Gaertnera walkeri faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as Sri Lanka's montane forests are cleared for agriculture and development. The species' restricted range in the island's central highlands makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, with fragmentation isolating remaining populations. Climate change poses an additional risk by altering the cool, humid conditions this endemic shrub requires for survival.
Where does Gaertnera walkeri live?
Gaertnera walkeri 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 Gaertnera walkeri?
The main threats to Gaertnera walkeri 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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