VU

Palo Cruz

Browneopsis excelsa

Unknown

Overview

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

Browneopsis excelsa faces severe pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion throughout its limited range in Central America. The species' slow growth rate and specific habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to forest fragmentation, as isolated populations struggle to maintain genetic diversity. Selective logging targeting large canopy trees has reduced mature breeding populations, while cattle ranching continues to convert remaining forest patches into pastureland.

Threat summary

Habitat

Browneopsis excelsa inhabits lowland and montane rainforests from sea level to 1,500 meters elevation, typically growing in the forest canopy layer. The species requires well-drained soils and high humidity conditions found in primary and mature secondary forests across Central America.

Other threatened species in Fabaceae

CR

Galactia rotundata

Unknown
CR

Albizia buntingii

Unknown
CR

Poitea immarginata

Unknown
CR

Galactia isopoda

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Palo Cruz classified as Vulnerable?
Palo Cruz 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. Browneopsis excelsa faces severe pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion throughout its limited range in Central America. The species' slow growth rate and specific habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to forest fragmentation, as isolated populations struggle to maintain genetic diversity. Selective logging targeting large canopy trees has reduced mature breeding populations, while cattle ranching continues to convert remaining forest patches into pastureland.
Where does Palo Cruz live?
Palo Cruz 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 Palo Cruz?
The main threats to Palo Cruz 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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