VU

Butia purpurascens

Unknown

Overview

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

Butia purpurascens faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching across its limited range in Brazil's Cerrado savanna. Urban development and infrastructure projects have fragmented remaining populations, while frequent fires and invasive grass species degrade the palm's specialized habitat requirements. The species' slow growth rate and limited reproductive capacity make recovery particularly challenging once populations decline.

Threat summary

Habitat

This palm species is endemic to the Cerrado savanna of central Brazil, typically growing in well-drained sandy soils on elevated plateaus and gentle slopes. It occurs in open grassland areas with scattered trees and shrubs, often forming small isolated populations in remnant native vegetation patches.

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protection

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Butia purpurascens classified as Vulnerable?
Butia purpurascens is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Butia purpurascens faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching across its limited range in Brazil's Cerrado savanna. Urban development and infrastructure projects have fragmented remaining populations, while frequent fires and invasive grass species degrade the palm's specialized habitat requirements. The species' slow growth rate and limited reproductive capacity make recovery particularly challenging once populations decline.
Where does Butia purpurascens live?
Butia purpurascens 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 Butia purpurascens?
The main threats to Butia purpurascens 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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