Echium pininana
EN

Echium pininana

UnknownENEUENEU

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

Overview

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

Echium pininana faces severe threats from its extremely restricted range on La Palma in the Canary Islands, where the entire population is confined to steep volcanic slopes and ravines. Habitat degradation from goat grazing, invasive plant species, and human disturbance poses ongoing risks to the remaining wild populations. Climate change threatens to alter the specific microclimatic conditions this endemic species requires, while its naturally small population size makes it vulnerable to stochastic events and genetic bottlenecks.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic species inhabits steep volcanic slopes, rocky ravines, and cliff faces in the laurel forest zone of La Palma, typically at elevations between 400-800 meters. It grows in well-drained volcanic soils with high humidity and requires the specific microclimatic conditions found in these protected ravines and north-facing slopes.

Forest· major

Conservation measures underway

Legislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Echium pininana classified as Endangered?
Echium pininana 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. Echium pininana faces severe threats from its extremely restricted range on La Palma in the Canary Islands, where the entire population is confined to steep volcanic slopes and ravines. Habitat degradation from goat grazing, invasive plant species, and human disturbance poses ongoing risks to the remaining wild populations. Climate change threatens to alter the specific microclimatic conditions this endemic species requires, while its naturally small population size makes it vulnerable to stochastic events and genetic bottlenecks.
Where does Echium pininana live?
Echium pininana occurs in Armenia, Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, and Guernsey (plus 9 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 Echium pininana?
The main threats to Echium pininana 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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