Hildegardia gillettii
Overview
Hildegardia gillettii is a species of flowering plant in the family Malvaceae. It is found only in Somalia, and is threatened by habitat loss.
Hildegardia gillettii faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and agricultural conversion throughout its limited range in East Africa. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, while its slow growth rate as a large tree species hampers natural recovery. Overexploitation for timber and traditional uses has further reduced remaining populations, with many mature individuals removed before reaching reproductive maturity.
Habitat
Hildegardia gillettii occurs in dry deciduous forests and woodland savannas of East Africa, typically growing on well-drained soils at elevations between 500-1,500 meters. The species favors areas with distinct wet and dry seasons, often found along forest edges and in gallery forests near seasonal watercourses.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in MALVACEAE
Threatened in Somalia
Frequently asked questions
Why is Hildegardia gillettii classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Hildegardia gillettii live?
What are the main threats to Hildegardia gillettii?
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