CR

Lilium polyphyllum

Declining

Overview

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

Lilium polyphyllum faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and infrastructure development in its limited Himalayan range. Overexploitation for traditional medicine and ornamental trade has further reduced wild populations, while climate change threatens to shift suitable habitat zones beyond the species' adaptive capacity. The combination of restricted distribution and multiple anthropogenic pressures has pushed this endemic lily to the brink of extinction.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic lily inhabits alpine meadows and rocky slopes in the Himalayan region, typically occurring at elevations between 3,000-4,500 meters. It grows in well-drained soils among grasses and low shrubs in subalpine and alpine zones with cool, moist conditions during the growing season.

Forest· major

Conservation measures underway

Ex-situ conservation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Lilium polyphyllum classified as Critically Endangered?
Lilium polyphyllum 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. Lilium polyphyllum faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and infrastructure development in its limited Himalayan range. Overexploitation for traditional medicine and ornamental trade has further reduced wild populations, while climate change threatens to shift suitable habitat zones beyond the species' adaptive capacity. The combination of restricted distribution and multiple anthropogenic pressures has pushed this endemic lily to the brink of extinction.
Where does Lilium polyphyllum live?
Lilium polyphyllum occurs in Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Lilium polyphyllum?
The main threats to Lilium polyphyllum are 1.1, 2.1, 4.1, and 5.3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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