CR

Pseudophoenix ekmanii

Declining

Overview

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

Pseudophoenix ekmanii faces severe population decline due to extremely limited distribution on Haiti's coastal limestone cliffs and ongoing habitat destruction from coastal development and quarrying activities. The species is further threatened by collection pressure for horticultural trade and the inherently slow growth rate of palms, which limits natural recovery from disturbances. Climate change poses additional risks through sea-level rise and increased hurricane intensity affecting its narrow coastal habitat range.

Threat summary

Habitat

This critically endangered palm is endemic to Haiti, where it grows exclusively on coastal limestone cliffs and rocky outcrops along the northern and northwestern coastlines. The species occupies a highly specialized niche in dry coastal scrubland and limestone karst formations, typically at elevations near sea level.

Rocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionEx-situ conservationAwareness & communicationsCompliance and enforcement

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Pseudophoenix ekmanii classified as Critically Endangered?
Pseudophoenix ekmanii 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. Pseudophoenix ekmanii faces severe population decline due to extremely limited distribution on Haiti's coastal limestone cliffs and ongoing habitat destruction from coastal development and quarrying activities. The species is further threatened by collection pressure for horticultural trade and the inherently slow growth rate of palms, which limits natural recovery from disturbances. Climate change poses additional risks through sea-level rise and increased hurricane intensity affecting its narrow coastal habitat range.
Where does Pseudophoenix ekmanii live?
Pseudophoenix ekmanii occurs in Dominican Republic. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Pseudophoenix ekmanii?
The main threats to Pseudophoenix ekmanii are 5.1, 5.1.1, 5.4, and ai-1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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