CR

Polystichum guajaibonense

Unknown

Overview

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

Polystichum guajaibonense faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and urban development in its restricted Cuban range. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while invasive plant species compete for resources in its native forest understory. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns that could affect the humid conditions this fern requires.

Threat summary

Habitat

This critically endangered fern is endemic to the humid montane forests of the Guajaibón region in western Cuba. It typically grows in shaded understory conditions on rocky substrates within cloud forest environments at moderate elevations.

Other threatened species in Dryopteridaceae

EN

Elaphoglossum paleaceum

Unknown
EN

Stigmatopteris hemiptera

Unknown
Elaphoglossum muscosumCR

Elaphoglossum muscosum

Unknown
CR

Ctenitis velata

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Polystichum guajaibonense classified as Critically Endangered?
Polystichum guajaibonense is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Polystichum guajaibonense faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and urban development in its restricted Cuban range. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while invasive plant species compete for resources in its native forest understory. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns that could affect the humid conditions this fern requires.
Where does Polystichum guajaibonense live?
Polystichum guajaibonense 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 Polystichum guajaibonense?
The main threats to Polystichum guajaibonense 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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