EN

Ilex auricula

Unknown

Overview

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

Ilex auricula faces severe pressure from deforestation and habitat conversion in its native cloud forest ecosystems of Central America. Agricultural expansion, particularly coffee cultivation and cattle ranching, has fragmented the remaining montane forest patches where this holly species persists. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the moisture regimes and temperature ranges essential for cloud forest ecosystems, potentially pushing suitable habitat to higher elevations where less area is available.

Threat summary

Habitat

Ilex auricula inhabits montane cloud forests and humid highland forests, typically occurring at elevations between 1,500-2,500 meters. These ecosystems are characterized by persistent cloud cover, high humidity, and cool temperatures that support diverse epiphytic communities.

Savanna· major

Conservation measures underway

Ex-situ conservation

Other threatened species in AQUIFOLIACEAE

CR

Ilex dimorphophylla

Declining
EN

Ilex condensata

Declining
VU

Ilex pseudoebenacea

Unknown
EN

Ilex subrotundifolia

Stable

Frequently asked questions

Why is Ilex auricula classified as Endangered?
Ilex auricula is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Ilex auricula faces severe pressure from deforestation and habitat conversion in its native cloud forest ecosystems of Central America. Agricultural expansion, particularly coffee cultivation and cattle ranching, has fragmented the remaining montane forest patches where this holly species persists. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the moisture regimes and temperature ranges essential for cloud forest ecosystems, potentially pushing suitable habitat to higher elevations where less area is available.
Where does Ilex auricula live?
Ilex auricula 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 Ilex auricula?
The main threats to Ilex auricula 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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