Nephelium costatum
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Nephelium costatum faces severe pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion across its Southeast Asian range, particularly in Malaysia and Thailand where lowland forests are rapidly converted to palm oil plantations and urban development. The species' limited distribution and specific habitat requirements make it especially vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, while overharvesting of wild fruits for local markets further reduces reproductive success in remaining populations.
Habitat
This tropical fruit tree inhabits lowland primary and secondary rainforests of Southeast Asia, typically found in well-drained soils at elevations below 400 meters. It occurs naturally in the understory and canopy gaps of dipterocarp forests, particularly in areas with high humidity and consistent rainfall patterns.