VU

Ruellia paulayana

Unknown

Overview

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

Ruellia paulayana faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in Brazil's Atlantic Forest region. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, while invasive plant species compete for resources in its specialized microhabitats. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that could disrupt the moisture-dependent ecosystems this endemic species requires.

Threat summary

Habitat

Ruellia paulayana is endemic to the Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica) of southeastern Brazil, where it inhabits humid understory environments and forest edges. The species typically occurs in areas with consistent moisture levels and partial shade, often associated with riparian zones and secondary forest regeneration areas.

Other threatened species in ACANTHACEAE

VU

Justicia orbicularis

Declining
EN

Isoglossa congesta

Unknown
Brachystephanus kupeensisCR

Brachystephanus kupeensis

Declining
VU

Whitfieldia preussii

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Ruellia paulayana classified as Vulnerable?
Ruellia paulayana 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. Ruellia paulayana faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in Brazil's Atlantic Forest region. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, while invasive plant species compete for resources in its specialized microhabitats. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that could disrupt the moisture-dependent ecosystems this endemic species requires.
Where does Ruellia paulayana live?
Ruellia paulayana 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 Ruellia paulayana?
The main threats to Ruellia paulayana 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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