CR

Panicum socotranum

Unknown

Overview

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

Panicum socotranum faces severe threats from habitat degradation on Socotra Island, where overgrazing by introduced goats and cattle has dramatically reduced native grassland ecosystems. The species' extremely limited range makes it vulnerable to localized disturbances, while climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns affecting the island's unique semi-arid environments. Infrastructure development and tourism expansion further fragment the remaining suitable habitat patches.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic grass species inhabits the semi-arid grasslands and rocky slopes of Socotra Island, typically growing in well-drained soils at elevations between 200-800 meters. It occurs in open areas within the island's unique succulent shrubland and grassland ecosystems.

Forest· major

Conservation measures underway

Resource & habitat protectionSpecies recoveryEx-situ conservation

Other threatened species in POACEAE

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Panicum pinifolium

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Eragrostis usambarensis

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Cymbopogon bhutanicus

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Drepanostachyum annulatum

Unknown

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Acropora mossambica

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Asian HoubaraVU

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Chlamydotis macqueenii

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Socotra Karst Crab

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Socotra Freshwater Crab

Socotrapotamon socotrense

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Panicum socotranum classified as Critically Endangered?
Panicum socotranum 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. Panicum socotranum faces severe threats from habitat degradation on Socotra Island, where overgrazing by introduced goats and cattle has dramatically reduced native grassland ecosystems. The species' extremely limited range makes it vulnerable to localized disturbances, while climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns affecting the island's unique semi-arid environments. Infrastructure development and tourism expansion further fragment the remaining suitable habitat patches.
Where does Panicum socotranum live?
Panicum socotranum occurs in Yemen. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Panicum socotranum?
The main threats to Panicum socotranum 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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