CR

Origanum symes

Unknown

Overview

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

Origanum symes faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to urban development and agricultural expansion across its extremely limited range. The species' restriction to specific limestone substrates makes it particularly vulnerable to quarrying activities and infrastructure development. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns that could affect the delicate moisture balance required for this endemic oregano's survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This critically endangered oregano species is endemic to limestone cliffs and rocky outcrops in the eastern Mediterranean region. It requires well-drained calcareous soils and thrives in the crevices of limestone formations where it can access consistent moisture while avoiding waterlogged conditions.

Rocky areas· majorMarine neritic· major

Other threatened species in LAMIACEAE

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Vitex grandidiana

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Origanum symes classified as Critically Endangered?
Origanum symes 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. Origanum symes faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to urban development and agricultural expansion across its extremely limited range. The species' restriction to specific limestone substrates makes it particularly vulnerable to quarrying activities and infrastructure development. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns that could affect the delicate moisture balance required for this endemic oregano's survival.
Where does Origanum symes live?
Origanum symes 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 Origanum symes?
The main threats to Origanum symes 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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