Pimientillo
EN

Pimientillo

Xylopia frutescens

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xylopia_frutescens

Overview

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

Xylopia frutescens faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and agricultural conversion throughout its native range in Central and South America. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, as remaining forest patches become increasingly isolated. Mining activities and urban expansion have further reduced suitable habitat, while the slow growth rate of this tree species limits its ability to recover from disturbance.

Threat summary

Habitat

Pimientillo inhabits tropical lowland and montane forests, typically found in humid primary and secondary forests at elevations ranging from sea level to 1,500 meters. The species prefers well-drained soils in forest understory and edge environments, often occurring along riverbanks and in gallery forests.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Pimientillo classified as Endangered?
Pimientillo 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. Xylopia frutescens faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and agricultural conversion throughout its native range in Central and South America. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, as remaining forest patches become increasingly isolated. Mining activities and urban expansion have further reduced suitable habitat, while the slow growth rate of this tree species limits its ability to recover from disturbance.
Where does Pimientillo live?
Pimientillo occurs in Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Cuba (plus 13 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Pimientillo?
The main threats to Pimientillo 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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