EN

Peltogyne chrysopis

Declining

Overview

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

Peltogyne chrysopis faces severe pressure from selective logging operations targeting its valuable purpleheart timber, which commands premium prices in international markets. Deforestation for cattle ranching and agricultural expansion has fragmented its remaining forest habitat across the Guiana Shield region. The species' slow growth rate and limited regeneration capacity make populations particularly vulnerable to overexploitation, with recovery taking decades even when harvesting pressure is reduced.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits primary and mature secondary lowland rainforests of the Guiana Shield, typically occurring in well-drained soils at elevations below 500 meters. It grows as an emergent canopy tree in species-rich tropical forests, often associated with other valuable timber species in areas of high botanical diversity.

Other threatened species in FABACEAE

VU

Lonchocarpus crassispermus

Declining
CR

Machaerium orthocarpum

Declining
VU

Senna saeri

Declining
VU

Senna viciifolia

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Peltogyne chrysopis classified as Endangered?
Peltogyne chrysopis 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. Peltogyne chrysopis faces severe pressure from selective logging operations targeting its valuable purpleheart timber, which commands premium prices in international markets. Deforestation for cattle ranching and agricultural expansion has fragmented its remaining forest habitat across the Guiana Shield region. The species' slow growth rate and limited regeneration capacity make populations particularly vulnerable to overexploitation, with recovery taking decades even when harvesting pressure is reduced.
Where does Peltogyne chrysopis live?
Peltogyne chrysopis 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 Peltogyne chrysopis?
The main threats to Peltogyne chrysopis 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.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.