EN

Impatiens polhillii

Unknown

Overview

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

Impatiens polhillii faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and settlement development within its restricted range in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania. The species' specialized habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to forest fragmentation, as small population fragments become isolated and more susceptible to local extinctions. Ongoing deforestation for subsistence farming and charcoal production continues to reduce the available montane forest habitat critical for this endemic species' survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic species inhabits moist montane forests in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania, typically occurring in shaded understory environments with high humidity and consistent moisture levels. It grows in forest gaps and along stream margins within primary and secondary montane forest between 1,200-2,000 meters elevation.

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionEx-situ conservation

Other threatened species in BALSAMINACEAE

CR

Impatiens cinnabarina

Declining
VU

Impatiens psychadelphoides

Unknown
EN

The Dalai Valley Balsam

Impatiens dalaiensis

Declining
EN

Impatiens digitata

Unknown

Threatened in Tanzania

VU

Lepiota echinella

Unknown
VU

Panicum pinifolium

Unknown
VU

Aidia abeidii

Unknown
EN

Meineckia stipularis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Impatiens polhillii classified as Endangered?
Impatiens polhillii 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. Impatiens polhillii faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and settlement development within its restricted range in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania. The species' specialized habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to forest fragmentation, as small population fragments become isolated and more susceptible to local extinctions. Ongoing deforestation for subsistence farming and charcoal production continues to reduce the available montane forest habitat critical for this endemic species' survival.
Where does Impatiens polhillii live?
Impatiens polhillii occurs in Tanzania. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Impatiens polhillii?
The main threats to Impatiens polhillii 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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