Mezilaurus navalium
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Mezilaurus navalium faces severe pressure from deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its Atlantic Forest range in southeastern Brazil. The species' timber has been historically exploited for construction and naval purposes, leading to targeted harvesting that has significantly reduced population numbers. Urban expansion and agricultural conversion continue to fragment remaining forest patches, isolating populations and reducing genetic diversity.
Habitat
This endemic tree species inhabits the Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica) of southeastern Brazil, primarily occurring in lowland and montane rainforests. It grows in both primary and secondary forest formations, typically in areas with high humidity and well-drained soils.