VU

Heliotropium marchionicum

Declining

Overview

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

Heliotropium marchionicum faces severe pressure from invasive plant species that outcompete native vegetation across the Galápagos Islands. Habitat degradation from introduced herbivores, particularly goats and cattle, has significantly reduced suitable growing areas. Tourism development and associated infrastructure construction continue to fragment remaining populations on inhabited islands.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Galápagos heliotrope inhabits coastal dry zones and arid lowland areas, typically growing in sandy soils and rocky crevices near shorelines. It occurs primarily on the inhabited islands where human activities have most significantly altered the natural landscape.

Other threatened species in HELIOTROPIACEAE

EN

Heliotropium perlmanii

Declining
VU

Tournefortia rufo-sericea

Unknown
VU

Heliotropium wagneri

Unknown
VU

Heliotropium riebeckii

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Heliotropium marchionicum classified as Vulnerable?
Heliotropium marchionicum 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. Heliotropium marchionicum faces severe pressure from invasive plant species that outcompete native vegetation across the Galápagos Islands. Habitat degradation from introduced herbivores, particularly goats and cattle, has significantly reduced suitable growing areas. Tourism development and associated infrastructure construction continue to fragment remaining populations on inhabited islands.
Where does Heliotropium marchionicum live?
Heliotropium marchionicum 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 Heliotropium marchionicum?
The main threats to Heliotropium marchionicum 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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