VU

Gustavia excelsa

Declining

Overview

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

Gustavia excelsa faces severe pressure from deforestation and habitat conversion throughout its Amazonian range. Logging operations target both the species directly for its valuable timber and destroy the intact forest ecosystems it requires. Agricultural expansion, particularly cattle ranching and soy cultivation, continues to fragment remaining populations across Brazil, Peru, and neighboring countries.

Threat summary

Habitat

This large canopy tree inhabits primary and mature secondary rainforests across the Amazon Basin, typically growing in well-drained terra firme soils. It occurs from sea level to approximately 800 meters elevation in undisturbed forest areas with high humidity and consistent rainfall.

Other threatened species in LECYTHIDACEAE

CR

Gustavia erythrocarpa

Declining
VU

Eschweilera macrocarpa

Unknown
EN

Gustavia parviflora

Unknown
EN

Rhaptopetalum evrardii

Declining

Threatened in Colombia

EN

Helena's Marsupial Frog

Gastrotheca helenae

Stable
VU

Cavendishia macrocephala

Unknown
EN

Cavendishia sessiliflora

Unknown
VU

Macleania crassa

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Gustavia excelsa classified as Vulnerable?
Gustavia excelsa 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. Gustavia excelsa faces severe pressure from deforestation and habitat conversion throughout its Amazonian range. Logging operations target both the species directly for its valuable timber and destroy the intact forest ecosystems it requires. Agricultural expansion, particularly cattle ranching and soy cultivation, continues to fragment remaining populations across Brazil, Peru, and neighboring countries.
Where does Gustavia excelsa live?
Gustavia excelsa occurs in Colombia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Gustavia excelsa?
The main threats to Gustavia excelsa 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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