Richella hainanensis
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Richella hainanensis faces severe pressure from rapid deforestation and agricultural expansion across Hainan Island, where its specialized limestone karst habitat is being converted for rubber plantations and urban development. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, while collection pressure for traditional medicine and the ornamental trade has further reduced wild populations.
Habitat
This species is endemic to the limestone karst formations and tropical montane forests of Hainan Island, China, typically found in humid microhabitats within cave entrances and rocky crevices. It requires the specific microclimate conditions provided by the island's remaining primary forest cover at elevations between 200-800 meters.