EN

Scalesia microcephala

Unknown

Overview

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

Scalesia microcephala faces severe pressure from invasive plant species that outcompete native vegetation and alter ecosystem dynamics across its limited range. Habitat degradation from introduced herbivores, particularly goats and cattle, has fragmented remaining populations through trampling and overgrazing. The species' restricted distribution on specific volcanic slopes makes it extremely vulnerable to stochastic events and climate-driven habitat shifts.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Galápagos shrub occupies humid highland zones on volcanic slopes, typically found in transitional areas between arid lowlands and moist upland forests. It grows in well-drained volcanic soils at elevations where fog and occasional rainfall support specialized endemic plant communities.

Other threatened species in ASTERACEAE

EN

Bidens cosmoides

Declining
VU

Piptolepis monticola

Unknown
Libanothamnus parvulusCR

Libanothamnus parvulus

Declining
EN

Gynoxys neovelutina

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Scalesia microcephala classified as Endangered?
Scalesia microcephala is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Scalesia microcephala faces severe pressure from invasive plant species that outcompete native vegetation and alter ecosystem dynamics across its limited range. Habitat degradation from introduced herbivores, particularly goats and cattle, has fragmented remaining populations through trampling and overgrazing. The species' restricted distribution on specific volcanic slopes makes it extremely vulnerable to stochastic events and climate-driven habitat shifts.
Where does Scalesia microcephala live?
Scalesia microcephala 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 Scalesia microcephala?
The main threats to Scalesia microcephala 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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