ivory palm
VU

ivory palm

Phytelephas aequatorialis

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phytelephas_aequatorialis

Overview

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

The ivory palm faces severe pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion throughout its limited range in western Ecuador and northwestern Colombia. Intensive harvesting of its seeds for the vegetable ivory trade, while historically sustainable, has increased dramatically as global demand grows. Habitat fragmentation isolates remaining populations, reducing genetic diversity and limiting natural regeneration in degraded forest patches.

Threat summary

Habitat

The ivory palm inhabits humid lowland rainforests and cloud forests from sea level to 1,800 meters elevation along the Pacific coast of Ecuador and Colombia. It thrives in well-drained soils of primary and secondary forests, often forming dense stands in river valleys and on steep mountain slopes.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Arecaceae

CR

Reinhardtia koschnyana

Unknown
VU

Attalea nucifera

Unknown
Aiphanes graminifoliaCR

Aiphanes graminifolia

Unknown
VU

Ceroxylon parvifrons

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is ivory palm classified as Vulnerable?
ivory palm 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. The ivory palm faces severe pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion throughout its limited range in western Ecuador and northwestern Colombia. Intensive harvesting of its seeds for the vegetable ivory trade, while historically sustainable, has increased dramatically as global demand grows. Habitat fragmentation isolates remaining populations, reducing genetic diversity and limiting natural regeneration in degraded forest patches.
Where does ivory palm live?
ivory palm 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 ivory palm?
The main threats to ivory palm 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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