VU

Encephalartos ituriensis

Stable

Overview

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

Encephalartos ituriensis faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and logging activities that fragment its forest habitat in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The species is particularly vulnerable to collection for horticultural trade due to the high value placed on cycads by collectors. Mining operations in the region pose an additional threat through habitat destruction and soil contamination.

Threat summary

Habitat

This cycad species inhabits tropical rainforest understory and forest margins in the Ituri region of northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo. It typically grows in well-drained soils on slopes and ridges within primary and secondary forest ecosystems.

Savanna· majorGrassland· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recoveryLegislation

Frequently asked questions

Why is Encephalartos ituriensis classified as Vulnerable?
Encephalartos ituriensis 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. Encephalartos ituriensis faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and logging activities that fragment its forest habitat in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The species is particularly vulnerable to collection for horticultural trade due to the high value placed on cycads by collectors. Mining operations in the region pose an additional threat through habitat destruction and soil contamination.
Where does Encephalartos ituriensis live?
Encephalartos ituriensis occurs in Congo - Brazzaville, and Congo - Kinshasa. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Encephalartos ituriensis?
The main threats to Encephalartos ituriensis 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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