Acanthophoenix rubra
CR

Acanthophoenix rubra

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Acanthophoenix rubra faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its native Mascarene Islands range. The species is particularly vulnerable to cyclone damage, which can destroy entire groves of these slow-growing palms. Invasive plant species compete for resources and alter the understory composition of its native forest habitat, while limited seed dispersal mechanisms restrict natural regeneration.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic palm inhabits the remaining lowland and mid-elevation tropical forests of Mauritius and Rodrigues in the Mascarene Islands. It typically grows in humid forest understories and forest margins at elevations up to 400 meters, preferring well-drained volcanic soils.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical moist lowland· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Acanthophoenix rubra classified as Critically Endangered?
Acanthophoenix rubra 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. Acanthophoenix rubra faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its native Mascarene Islands range. The species is particularly vulnerable to cyclone damage, which can destroy entire groves of these slow-growing palms. Invasive plant species compete for resources and alter the understory composition of its native forest habitat, while limited seed dispersal mechanisms restrict natural regeneration.
Where does Acanthophoenix rubra live?
Acanthophoenix rubra occurs in Mauritius, and Réunion. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Acanthophoenix rubra?
The main threats to Acanthophoenix rubra 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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