CR

Curcuma vamana

Declining

Overview

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

Curcuma vamana faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and urban development in its restricted range in the Western Ghats of India. The species is particularly vulnerable to collection pressure for its medicinal properties, as turmeric species are highly valued in traditional medicine and commercial trade. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that could disrupt the specific moisture requirements this endemic species needs for survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

Curcuma vamana is endemic to the tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests of the Western Ghats in India, typically found in shaded understory areas with rich, well-drained soils. The species requires specific moisture conditions and forest canopy cover, making it highly sensitive to habitat disturbance.

Conservation measures underway

Ex-situ conservation

Frequently asked questions

Why is Curcuma vamana classified as Critically Endangered?
Curcuma vamana 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. Curcuma vamana faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and urban development in its restricted range in the Western Ghats of India. The species is particularly vulnerable to collection pressure for its medicinal properties, as turmeric species are highly valued in traditional medicine and commercial trade. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that could disrupt the specific moisture requirements this endemic species needs for survival.
Where does Curcuma vamana live?
Curcuma vamana occurs in India. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Curcuma vamana?
The main threats to Curcuma vamana are 1.1, 2.1, 4.1, and ai-1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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