EN

Pilocarpus alatus

Declining

Overview

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

Pilocarpus alatus faces severe pressure from deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its Atlantic Forest range in Brazil. The species is particularly vulnerable due to its medicinal value, as it contains pilocarpine used in pharmaceutical applications, leading to targeted collection and exploitation. Agricultural expansion, particularly cattle ranching and sugarcane cultivation, continues to reduce the remaining forest patches where this species occurs.

Threat summary

Habitat

Pilocarpus alatus is endemic to the Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica) of southeastern Brazil, occurring in humid lowland and montane forests. The species typically grows in the understory and forest edges of well-preserved forest fragments, requiring the specific microclimate conditions provided by intact forest canopy.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Pilocarpus alatus classified as Endangered?
Pilocarpus alatus 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. Pilocarpus alatus faces severe pressure from deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its Atlantic Forest range in Brazil. The species is particularly vulnerable due to its medicinal value, as it contains pilocarpine used in pharmaceutical applications, leading to targeted collection and exploitation. Agricultural expansion, particularly cattle ranching and sugarcane cultivation, continues to reduce the remaining forest patches where this species occurs.
Where does Pilocarpus alatus live?
Pilocarpus alatus 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 Pilocarpus alatus?
The main threats to Pilocarpus alatus 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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