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Matelea alainii

Unknown

Overview

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

Matelea alainii faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as Cuba's remaining natural areas are converted for agriculture and urban development. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while invasive plant species compete for resources in its native habitat. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that could affect the specific microhabitat conditions this endemic vine requires.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Cuban vine inhabits dry forests and scrublands in limestone karst terrain, typically growing in rocky crevices and on limestone outcrops. It requires well-drained soils and partial shade conditions found in the understory of Cuba's remaining dry forest fragments.

Other threatened species in Apocynaceae

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Cameraria obovalis

Unknown
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Metastelma atrovirens

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Matelea tigrina

Unknown
CR

Mandevilla aridana

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Matelea alainii classified as Endangered?
Matelea alainii is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Matelea alainii faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as Cuba's remaining natural areas are converted for agriculture and urban development. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while invasive plant species compete for resources in its native habitat. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that could affect the specific microhabitat conditions this endemic vine requires.
Where does Matelea alainii live?
Matelea alainii 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 Matelea alainii?
The main threats to Matelea alainii 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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