CR

Harpalyce cristalensis

Unknown

Overview

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

Harpalyce cristalensis faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to mining activities and urban development in its restricted range in eastern Cuba. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while invasive plant species compete for resources in its fragmented habitat remnants. Climate change poses additional pressure through altered precipitation patterns affecting the specialized dry forest ecosystems where this endemic legume survives.

Threat summary

Habitat

This critically endangered legume is endemic to the dry forests and scrublands of the Cristal Mountains in eastern Cuba. It occupies specialized limestone-derived soils in semi-arid tropical environments at elevations between 200-600 meters.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Harpalyce cristalensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Harpalyce cristalensis 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. Harpalyce cristalensis faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to mining activities and urban development in its restricted range in eastern Cuba. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while invasive plant species compete for resources in its fragmented habitat remnants. Climate change poses additional pressure through altered precipitation patterns affecting the specialized dry forest ecosystems where this endemic legume survives.
Where does Harpalyce cristalensis live?
Harpalyce cristalensis 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 Harpalyce cristalensis?
The main threats to Harpalyce cristalensis 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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