Melicoccus espiritosantensis
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Melicoccus espiritosantensis faces severe pressure from ongoing deforestation and habitat fragmentation within its restricted range in Espírito Santo, Brazil. Agricultural expansion, particularly cattle ranching and crop cultivation, continues to reduce the remaining Atlantic Forest fragments where this endemic tree species occurs. Urban development and infrastructure projects further fragment the already limited suitable habitat, isolating populations and reducing genetic diversity.
Habitat
This endemic tree species occurs exclusively in remnant Atlantic Forest fragments in Espírito Santo state, Brazil. It inhabits humid lowland and montane forests, typically growing in well-drained soils within the highly threatened Atlantic Forest biome.