CR

Pereskia quisqueyana

Unknown

Overview

Leuenbergeria quisqueyana is a species of flowering plant in the family Cactaceae. It is sometimes referred to by the common name Bayahibe rose, and is endemic to the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, in the Dominican Republic.

Pereskia quisqueyana faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in the Dominican Republic. The species is further threatened by overcollection for ornamental purposes, as its distinctive cactus-like appearance makes it valuable in the horticultural trade. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that could affect the dry forest ecosystems this endemic species depends upon.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic cactus species inhabits dry forests and scrublands in the Dominican Republic, typically growing in rocky, well-drained soils at elevations between 200-800 meters. It thrives in areas with distinct wet and dry seasons, often found on limestone substrates in semi-arid tropical environments.

Marine coastal/supratidal· majorRocky areas· majorMarine neritic· major

Conservation measures underway

Species managementSpecies recoveryEx-situ conservation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Pereskia quisqueyana classified as Critically Endangered?
Pereskia quisqueyana 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. Pereskia quisqueyana faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in the Dominican Republic. The species is further threatened by overcollection for ornamental purposes, as its distinctive cactus-like appearance makes it valuable in the horticultural trade. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that could affect the dry forest ecosystems this endemic species depends upon.
Where does Pereskia quisqueyana live?
Pereskia quisqueyana occurs in Dominican Republic. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Pereskia quisqueyana?
The main threats to Pereskia quisqueyana 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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