CR

Metalepis gentryi

Unknown

Overview

Cynanchum gentryi is a species of plant in the family Apocynaceae. It is endemic to Ecuador. Its natural habitat is equatorial moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.

Metalepis gentryi faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited range in the Amazon Basin. Mining activities and agricultural expansion have destroyed critical forest areas where this species occurs. The conversion of primary forest to cattle pasture and soybean cultivation continues to reduce available habitat, while road construction fragments remaining forest patches.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits primary and secondary tropical rainforests in the Amazon Basin, typically found in areas with dense canopy cover and high humidity. It occurs in both terra firme and várzea forest types at elevations below 500 meters.

Forest· majorMarine coastal/supratidal· major

Other threatened species in APOCYNACEAE

EN

Aspidosperma salgadense

Declining
EN

Rauvolfia steyermarkii

Declining
VU

Ceropegia rhynchantha

Declining
VU

Ceropegia loranthiflora

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Metalepis gentryi classified as Critically Endangered?
Metalepis gentryi 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. Metalepis gentryi faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited range in the Amazon Basin. Mining activities and agricultural expansion have destroyed critical forest areas where this species occurs. The conversion of primary forest to cattle pasture and soybean cultivation continues to reduce available habitat, while road construction fragments remaining forest patches.
Where does Metalepis gentryi live?
Metalepis gentryi 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 Metalepis gentryi?
The main threats to Metalepis gentryi are 5.3, ai-1, ai-2, and ai-3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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