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Gossypium laxum

Declining

Overview

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

Gossypium laxum faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in the Galápagos Islands. The species is particularly vulnerable to invasive plant species that compete for resources and alter native ecosystem dynamics. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased temperature extremes that affect the delicate island ecosystem balance.

Threat summary

Habitat

Gossypium laxum is endemic to the Galápagos Islands, where it inhabits coastal scrublands, dry lowland areas, and rocky volcanic slopes. The species typically grows in arid zones with well-drained soils and is adapted to the unique microclimatic conditions of the archipelago's coastal environments.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical dry· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionEx-situ conservation

Frequently asked questions

Why is Gossypium laxum classified as Endangered?
Gossypium laxum is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Gossypium laxum faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in the Galápagos Islands. The species is particularly vulnerable to invasive plant species that compete for resources and alter native ecosystem dynamics. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased temperature extremes that affect the delicate island ecosystem balance.
Where does Gossypium laxum live?
Gossypium laxum occurs in Mexico. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Gossypium laxum?
The main threats to Gossypium laxum 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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