VU

Securidaca leiocarpa

Unknown

Overview

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

Securidaca leiocarpa faces significant pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion across its West African range, particularly in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire where cocoa farming has fragmented its forest habitat. The species is also threatened by overharvesting for traditional medicine, as its roots and bark are valued for their medicinal properties. Urban development and logging operations continue to reduce the quality and extent of remaining forest patches where this climbing shrub occurs.

Threat summary

Habitat

Securidaca leiocarpa inhabits tropical rainforests and forest margins in West Africa, typically growing as a climbing shrub in secondary forests and forest edges. The species prefers humid, well-drained soils and can be found from sea level to moderate elevations in countries including Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, and neighboring regions.

Other threatened species in POLYGALACEAE

VU

Xanthophyllum crassum

Stable
VU

Polygala francisci

Unknown
VU

Xanthophyllum lineare

Stable
VU

Polygala zambesiaca

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Securidaca leiocarpa classified as Vulnerable?
Securidaca leiocarpa 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. Securidaca leiocarpa faces significant pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion across its West African range, particularly in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire where cocoa farming has fragmented its forest habitat. The species is also threatened by overharvesting for traditional medicine, as its roots and bark are valued for their medicinal properties. Urban development and logging operations continue to reduce the quality and extent of remaining forest patches where this climbing shrub occurs.
Where does Securidaca leiocarpa live?
Securidaca leiocarpa 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 Securidaca leiocarpa?
The main threats to Securidaca leiocarpa 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.