CR

Myrsine ceylanica

Unknown

Overview

Myrsine ceylanica is plant species in the family Primulaceae.

Myrsine ceylanica faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and habitat conversion throughout its native range in Sri Lanka's montane forests. The species is particularly vulnerable to agricultural expansion and urban development pressures in the Central Highlands, where remaining forest fragments are increasingly isolated. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the cool, moist conditions essential for this montane endemic's survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic species inhabits the montane cloud forests and wet zone forests of Sri Lanka's Central Highlands, typically occurring at elevations between 1,200-2,000 meters. It thrives in cool, humid conditions within primary and secondary forest understories where moisture levels remain consistently high.

Forest - Subtropical/tropical moist lowland· major

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CR

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Myrsine ceylanica classified as Critically Endangered?
Myrsine ceylanica 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. Myrsine ceylanica faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and habitat conversion throughout its native range in Sri Lanka's montane forests. The species is particularly vulnerable to agricultural expansion and urban development pressures in the Central Highlands, where remaining forest fragments are increasingly isolated. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the cool, moist conditions essential for this montane endemic's survival.
Where does Myrsine ceylanica live?
Myrsine ceylanica 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 Myrsine ceylanica?
The main threats to Myrsine ceylanica 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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