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Melicope indica

Unknown

Overview

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

Melicope indica faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its native range in the Western Ghats of India. The species is particularly vulnerable to forest fragmentation, which isolates remaining populations and reduces genetic diversity. Invasive plant species further degrade its specialized forest habitat, while climate change threatens the montane ecosystems where this endemic tree species persists.

Threat summary

Habitat

Melicope indica is endemic to the montane evergreen forests of the Western Ghats in India, typically occurring at elevations between 1,000-2,000 meters. The species thrives in moist, shaded forest understories with rich, well-drained soils characteristic of these biodiversity hotspot ecosystems.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical moist montane· major

Other threatened species in RUTACEAE

CR

Melicope quadrangularis

Declining
VU

Melicope wawraeana

Declining
VU

Vepris drummondii

Declining
VU

Zanthoxylum mildbraedii

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Melicope indica classified as Endangered?
Melicope indica 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. Melicope indica faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its native range in the Western Ghats of India. The species is particularly vulnerable to forest fragmentation, which isolates remaining populations and reduces genetic diversity. Invasive plant species further degrade its specialized forest habitat, while climate change threatens the montane ecosystems where this endemic tree species persists.
Where does Melicope indica live?
Melicope indica 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 Melicope indica?
The main threats to Melicope indica 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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