EN

Pneumatopteris usambarensis

Unknown

Overview

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

Pneumatopteris usambarensis faces severe pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania. The species' restricted range in montane forest fragments makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat conversion for subsistence farming and commercial timber extraction. Climate change poses an additional threat as warming temperatures force montane species to higher elevations with increasingly limited suitable habitat.

Threat summary

Habitat

This fern species is endemic to montane forests of the Usambara Mountains in Tanzania, typically occurring in moist, shaded understory environments at elevations between 1,200-2,000 meters. It requires the humid microclimate conditions found in intact cloud forest ecosystems with consistent moisture and protection from direct sunlight.

Forest· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protection

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Justicia leucoxiphus

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Pneumatopteris usambarensis classified as Endangered?
Pneumatopteris usambarensis 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. Pneumatopteris usambarensis faces severe pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania. The species' restricted range in montane forest fragments makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat conversion for subsistence farming and commercial timber extraction. Climate change poses an additional threat as warming temperatures force montane species to higher elevations with increasingly limited suitable habitat.
Where does Pneumatopteris usambarensis live?
Pneumatopteris usambarensis occurs in Cameroon, Kenya, Malawi, Norfolk Island, and Tanzania. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Pneumatopteris usambarensis?
The main threats to Pneumatopteris usambarensis 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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