CR

Sauropus elegantissimus

Unknown

Overview

Breynia retusa is a species of plant in the family Phyllanthaceae.

Sauropus elegantissimus faces severe threats from rapid deforestation and agricultural expansion across its limited range in Southeast Asian lowland forests. Mining activities and urban development have fragmented remaining habitat patches, while the species' narrow ecological requirements make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes. Collection pressure for traditional medicine and ornamental use has further reduced wild populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits lowland tropical rainforests and forest edges, typically found in areas with rich, well-drained soils at elevations below 500 meters. It occurs in both primary and secondary forest habitats, often along forest margins and in partially disturbed areas with adequate canopy cover.

Other threatened species in PHYLLANTHACEAE

EN

Phyllanthus deciduiramus

Declining
EN

Phyllanthus dumbeaensis

Declining
EN

Meineckia stipularis

Unknown
VU

Phyllanthus platycalyx

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Sauropus elegantissimus classified as Critically Endangered?
Sauropus elegantissimus 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. Sauropus elegantissimus faces severe threats from rapid deforestation and agricultural expansion across its limited range in Southeast Asian lowland forests. Mining activities and urban development have fragmented remaining habitat patches, while the species' narrow ecological requirements make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes. Collection pressure for traditional medicine and ornamental use has further reduced wild populations.
Where does Sauropus elegantissimus live?
Sauropus elegantissimus 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 Sauropus elegantissimus?
The main threats to Sauropus elegantissimus 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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