VU

Gymnocarpos kuriensis

Unknown

Overview

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

Gymnocarpos kuriensis faces severe pressure from overgrazing by livestock, particularly goats and camels, which prevents natural regeneration of this slow-growing shrub. The species is further threatened by habitat degradation from human settlements and infrastructure development on the Kuria Muria Islands. Climate change poses an additional risk through increased aridity and extreme weather events that could push this already water-stressed species beyond its tolerance limits.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic shrub is restricted to the arid rocky slopes and coastal plains of the Kuria Muria Islands off the coast of Oman. It grows in extremely harsh desert conditions with minimal rainfall, adapted to survive in sandy and rocky substrates with high salt tolerance.

Forest· majorMarine coastal/supratidal· majorShrubland· majorRocky areas· majorDesert· major

Other threatened species in CARYOPHYLLACEAE

Schiedea diffusaCR

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Schiedea kaalae

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VU

Pycnophyllum spathulatum

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Silene aristidis

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Gymnocarpos kuriensis classified as Vulnerable?
Gymnocarpos kuriensis 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. Gymnocarpos kuriensis faces severe pressure from overgrazing by livestock, particularly goats and camels, which prevents natural regeneration of this slow-growing shrub. The species is further threatened by habitat degradation from human settlements and infrastructure development on the Kuria Muria Islands. Climate change poses an additional risk through increased aridity and extreme weather events that could push this already water-stressed species beyond its tolerance limits.
Where does Gymnocarpos kuriensis live?
Gymnocarpos kuriensis 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 Gymnocarpos kuriensis?
The main threats to Gymnocarpos kuriensis 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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