Podocarpus costalis
EN

Podocarpus costalis

Declining

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

Overview

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

Podocarpus costalis faces severe pressure from deforestation and habitat conversion throughout its limited range in the Philippines. The species is particularly vulnerable due to its slow growth rate and specific ecological requirements, making recovery difficult once populations are fragmented. Logging activities and agricultural expansion continue to reduce the remaining forest patches where this endemic conifer persists.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Philippine conifer inhabits montane forests at elevations between 1,000-2,500 meters, typically growing in moist, well-drained soils on mountain slopes. The species requires the cool, humid conditions found in upper elevation forest ecosystems of the northern Philippines.

Forest· majorShrubland· majorRocky areas· majorMarine neritic· major

Conservation measures underway

Ex-situ conservationLegislation

Other threatened species in PODOCARPACEAE

VU

Podocarpus ridleyi

Declining
VU

Podocarpus archboldii

Declining
EN

Dacrydium pectinatum

Declining
EN

Podocarpus sprucei

Declining

Threatened in China

VU

Copper Shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus

Declining
EN

Golden Vietnamese Cypress

Xanthocyparis vietnamensis

Declining
VU

Dragon Spruce

Picea asperata

Declining
VU

Likiang Spruce

Picea likiangensis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Podocarpus costalis classified as Endangered?
Podocarpus costalis 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. Podocarpus costalis faces severe pressure from deforestation and habitat conversion throughout its limited range in the Philippines. The species is particularly vulnerable due to its slow growth rate and specific ecological requirements, making recovery difficult once populations are fragmented. Logging activities and agricultural expansion continue to reduce the remaining forest patches where this endemic conifer persists.
Where does Podocarpus costalis live?
Podocarpus costalis occurs in China, Philippines, and Taiwan. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Podocarpus costalis?
The main threats to Podocarpus costalis 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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