VU

Lasiocroton harrisii

Unknown

Overview

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

Lasiocroton harrisii faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as Jamaica's remaining dry forests are cleared for agriculture and urban development. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, with small population fragments isolated across scattered limestone hills. Invasive plant species compete directly with native vegetation, altering the delicate ecological balance of the dry forest understory where this endemic shrub persists.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Jamaican shrub inhabits dry limestone forests and scrublands, typically found on rocky hillsides and coastal areas with well-drained soils. It thrives in the island's remaining patches of dry forest ecosystem, particularly in areas with sparse canopy cover that allows sufficient light penetration to the understory.

Rocky areas· major

Other threatened species in EUPHORBIACEAE

CR

Paracroton sterrhopodus

Unknown
EN

Bernardia mollis

Declining
EN

Bernardia oblanceolata

Declining
VU

Mallotus macularis

Stable

Frequently asked questions

Why is Lasiocroton harrisii classified as Vulnerable?
Lasiocroton harrisii 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. Lasiocroton harrisii faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as Jamaica's remaining dry forests are cleared for agriculture and urban development. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, with small population fragments isolated across scattered limestone hills. Invasive plant species compete directly with native vegetation, altering the delicate ecological balance of the dry forest understory where this endemic shrub persists.
Where does Lasiocroton harrisii live?
Lasiocroton harrisii 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 Lasiocroton harrisii?
The main threats to Lasiocroton harrisii 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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