CR

Ilex servinii

Unknown

Overview

Ilex servinii is a critically endangered holly species endemic to a highly restricted range. This evergreen shrub or small tree belongs to the Aquifoliaceae family and represents one of the rarest members of the holly genus. The species exhibits typical holly characteristics with leathery leaves and small flowers, though detailed morphological descriptions remain limited due to its rarity.

Ilex servinii faces severe conservation challenges due to its extremely limited distribution and small population size. The species is threatened by habitat loss and degradation, which pose significant risks to its long-term survival. Human activities including land conversion, agricultural expansion, and urban development have reduced available habitat.

Climate change may pose additional pressures on this already vulnerable species by altering environmental conditions within its restricted range. The small population size makes the species particularly susceptible to genetic bottlenecks and random demographic events that could lead to local extinctions. Conservation efforts for Ilex servinii are hampered by limited knowledge of its ecology, reproductive biology, and specific habitat requirements.

Research is needed to better understand the species' distribution, population dynamics, and conservation needs. Protection of remaining habitat is crucial for preventing further population decline. Ex-situ conservation measures, including seed banking and cultivation programs, may be necessary to safeguard the species against extinction.

International cooperation and local community engagement are essential components of any comprehensive conservation strategy for this critically endangered holly.

Ilex servinii faces severe threats from habitat loss and degradation caused by human activities including land conversion and agricultural expansion. The species' extremely small population size and restricted distribution make it highly vulnerable to extinction from both environmental pressures and random demographic events.

Threat summary

Habitat

Ilex servinii occupies a highly restricted habitat range with specific environmental requirements typical of holly species. The species likely requires particular soil conditions, moisture levels, and forest structure for optimal growth and reproduction.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical moist montane· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recoveryEx-situ conservationLinked enterprises & livelihood alternatives

Frequently asked questions

Why is Ilex servinii classified as Critically Endangered?
Ilex servinii 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. Ilex servinii faces severe threats from habitat loss and degradation caused by human activities including land conversion and agricultural expansion. The species' extremely small population size and restricted distribution make it highly vulnerable to extinction from both environmental pressures and random demographic events.
Where does Ilex servinii live?
Ilex servinii 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 servinii?
The main threats to Ilex servinii are 2.1, 2.3, and 5.3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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