CR

Mezilaurus microphylla

Declining

Overview

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

Mezilaurus microphylla faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its restricted range in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to local extinctions from agricultural expansion and urban development. Mining activities and infrastructure development further compound habitat loss pressures on the remaining forest fragments where this rare tree persists.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species is endemic to the Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica) of southeastern Brazil, occurring in humid montane forests at elevations between 800-1,200 meters. It grows in well-preserved primary forest remnants with high canopy cover and rich, organic soils typical of the region's biodiversity hotspot.

Savanna· major

Other threatened species in LAURACEAE

CR

Cryptocarya subtrinervis

Unknown
EN

Steyermark Pleurothyrium

Pleurothyrium steyermarkianum

Declining
CR

Cryptocarya pergamentacea

Unknown
CR

Mespilodaphne paradoxa

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Mezilaurus microphylla classified as Critically Endangered?
Mezilaurus microphylla 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. Mezilaurus microphylla faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its restricted range in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to local extinctions from agricultural expansion and urban development. Mining activities and infrastructure development further compound habitat loss pressures on the remaining forest fragments where this rare tree persists.
Where does Mezilaurus microphylla live?
Mezilaurus microphylla 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 Mezilaurus microphylla?
The main threats to Mezilaurus microphylla 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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