VU

Punica protopunica

Stable

Overview

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

Punica protopunica faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as its native woodland and scrubland environments on Socotra Island are degraded by overgrazing from introduced livestock, particularly goats. The species' extremely limited range makes it vulnerable to any localized disturbances, while climate change threatens to alter the island's unique precipitation patterns that support its specialized ecosystem. Collection pressure for horticultural purposes has also impacted wild populations of this endemic pomegranate relative.

Threat summary

Habitat

Punica protopunica is endemic to Socotra Island, Yemen, where it inhabits rocky slopes, wadis, and remnant woodland areas at elevations between 300-1,500 meters. The species thrives in the island's semi-arid environment with seasonal rainfall, growing among granite outcrops and in areas with well-drained soils.

Forest· majorRocky areas· major

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Ginoria arborea

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Punica protopunica classified as Vulnerable?
Punica protopunica is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Punica protopunica faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as its native woodland and scrubland environments on Socotra Island are degraded by overgrazing from introduced livestock, particularly goats. The species' extremely limited range makes it vulnerable to any localized disturbances, while climate change threatens to alter the island's unique precipitation patterns that support its specialized ecosystem. Collection pressure for horticultural purposes has also impacted wild populations of this endemic pomegranate relative.
Where does Punica protopunica live?
Punica protopunica 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 Punica protopunica?
The main threats to Punica protopunica 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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