VU

Dypsis lanceolata

Unknown

Overview

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

Dypsis lanceolata faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and slash-and-burn farming practices that destroy its native forest habitat in Madagascar. The species is particularly vulnerable due to its limited distribution range and slow growth rate, making population recovery difficult once stands are cleared. Selective harvesting for ornamental use and construction materials further reduces wild populations, while fragmentation isolates remaining groups and reduces genetic diversity.

Threat summary

Habitat

Dypsis lanceolata inhabits humid lowland and mid-elevation rainforests of eastern Madagascar, typically growing in the understory and forest edges at elevations up to 1,000 meters. The species prefers well-drained soils in areas with consistent moisture and partial shade provided by the forest canopy.

Forest - Subtropical/tropical moist lowland· major

Other threatened species in ARECACEAE

CR

Pelagodoxa mesocarpa

Declining
VU

Rafia

Raphia australis

Declining
Pinanga batanensisCR

Pinanga batanensis

Declining
CR

Pinanga glaucifolia

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Dypsis lanceolata classified as Vulnerable?
Dypsis lanceolata 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. Dypsis lanceolata faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and slash-and-burn farming practices that destroy its native forest habitat in Madagascar. The species is particularly vulnerable due to its limited distribution range and slow growth rate, making population recovery difficult once stands are cleared. Selective harvesting for ornamental use and construction materials further reduces wild populations, while fragmentation isolates remaining groups and reduces genetic diversity.
Where does Dypsis lanceolata live?
Dypsis lanceolata 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 Dypsis lanceolata?
The main threats to Dypsis lanceolata 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.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.