CR

Persea obovata

Declining

Overview

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

Persea obovata faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and habitat conversion for agricultural development across its limited range in the Caribbean. The species is particularly vulnerable to hurricane damage given its restricted distribution, with major storms capable of devastating entire subpopulations. Invasive plant species further threaten remaining forest fragments by altering native ecosystem dynamics and competing for resources.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits moist tropical forests and forest edges in the Caribbean region, typically growing in well-drained soils at moderate elevations. It occurs in both primary and secondary forest habitats but shows preference for areas with consistent moisture and partial canopy cover.

Other threatened species in LAURACEAE

CR

Cryptocarya subtrinervis

Unknown
EN

Steyermark Pleurothyrium

Pleurothyrium steyermarkianum

Declining
CR

Cryptocarya pergamentacea

Unknown
CR

Mespilodaphne paradoxa

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Persea obovata classified as Critically Endangered?
Persea obovata 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. Persea obovata faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and habitat conversion for agricultural development across its limited range in the Caribbean. The species is particularly vulnerable to hurricane damage given its restricted distribution, with major storms capable of devastating entire subpopulations. Invasive plant species further threaten remaining forest fragments by altering native ecosystem dynamics and competing for resources.
Where does Persea obovata live?
Persea obovata 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 Persea obovata?
The main threats to Persea obovata 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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