VU

Memecylon sylvaticum

Unknown

Overview

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

Memecylon sylvaticum faces severe pressure from deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited range in the Western Ghats of India. Agricultural expansion, particularly for cash crops and plantations, has significantly reduced the species' forest habitat. Urban development and infrastructure projects continue to fragment remaining populations, while selective logging targets the mature forest canopy that this understory shrub depends upon for optimal growing conditions.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic shrub inhabits the understory of tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. It typically grows in moist, shaded conditions at elevations between 500-1200 meters, preferring areas with rich, well-drained soils and consistent humidity levels.

Forest· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Memecylon sylvaticum classified as Vulnerable?
Memecylon sylvaticum is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Memecylon sylvaticum faces severe pressure from deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited range in the Western Ghats of India. Agricultural expansion, particularly for cash crops and plantations, has significantly reduced the species' forest habitat. Urban development and infrastructure projects continue to fragment remaining populations, while selective logging targets the mature forest canopy that this understory shrub depends upon for optimal growing conditions.
Where does Memecylon sylvaticum live?
Memecylon sylvaticum occurs in Sri Lanka. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Memecylon sylvaticum?
The main threats to Memecylon sylvaticum 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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