VU

Heliotropium paulayanum

Unknown

Overview

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

Heliotropium paulayanum faces severe pressure from coastal development and tourism infrastructure expansion across its limited range in the Galápagos Islands. The species is particularly vulnerable to habitat degradation from introduced herbivores, especially goats and cattle, which trample and consume native vegetation in coastal zones. Climate change poses an additional threat through sea level rise and increased storm intensity, which can destroy the fragile coastal habitats where this endemic heliotrope survives.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Galápagos heliotrope inhabits coastal zones, rocky shores, and sandy beaches at low elevations. It typically grows in salt-tolerant plant communities along the immediate coastline where it can withstand salt spray and periodic inundation.

Marine coastal/supratidal· majorShrubland· majorMarine neritic· major

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 paulayanum classified as Vulnerable?
Heliotropium paulayanum 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 paulayanum faces severe pressure from coastal development and tourism infrastructure expansion across its limited range in the Galápagos Islands. The species is particularly vulnerable to habitat degradation from introduced herbivores, especially goats and cattle, which trample and consume native vegetation in coastal zones. Climate change poses an additional threat through sea level rise and increased storm intensity, which can destroy the fragile coastal habitats where this endemic heliotrope survives.
Where does Heliotropium paulayanum live?
Heliotropium paulayanum 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 paulayanum?
The main threats to Heliotropium paulayanum 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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