EN

Neuracanthus aculeatus

Unknown

Overview

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

Neuracanthus aculeatus faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in the Western Ghats of India. The species' specialized habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to forest fragmentation, as remaining populations become increasingly isolated in small forest patches. Overgrazing by livestock and collection for traditional medicinal uses further compound the decline of this endemic shrub.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic shrub occurs in the montane forests and grassland margins of the Western Ghats in southern India, typically at elevations between 1,000-2,000 meters. It favors well-drained soils in semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forest edges, often growing in association with other endemic flora of the region.

Marine coastal/supratidal· majorShrubland· majorMarine neritic· major

Other threatened species in ACANTHACEAE

VU

Justicia orbicularis

Declining
EN

Isoglossa congesta

Unknown
Brachystephanus kupeensisCR

Brachystephanus kupeensis

Declining
VU

Whitfieldia preussii

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Neuracanthus aculeatus classified as Endangered?
Neuracanthus aculeatus is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Neuracanthus aculeatus faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in the Western Ghats of India. The species' specialized habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to forest fragmentation, as remaining populations become increasingly isolated in small forest patches. Overgrazing by livestock and collection for traditional medicinal uses further compound the decline of this endemic shrub.
Where does Neuracanthus aculeatus live?
Neuracanthus aculeatus 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 Neuracanthus aculeatus?
The main threats to Neuracanthus aculeatus 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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