CR

Avon Gorge Whitebeam

Sorbus avonensis

StableCREUCREU

Overview

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

Sorbus avonensis faces severe threats from habitat degradation and extremely limited population size, with only a handful of mature individuals known to exist in the wild. The species is vulnerable to genetic bottlenecks due to its tiny population, while ongoing pressures from grazing, invasive species, and potential climate-driven habitat shifts threaten the remaining trees. Collection pressure from botanical enthusiasts and the species' inability to reproduce effectively in such small numbers further compound its precarious status.

Threat summary

Habitat

Sorbus avonensis occurs in rocky limestone gorges and cliff faces along river valleys in southwestern England. The species typically grows in calcareous soils on steep slopes and rocky outcrops where it can access adequate moisture while avoiding competition from larger trees.

Forest· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionEx-situ conservation

Other threatened species in ROSACEAE

EN

Bristol Whitebeam

Sorbus bristoliensis

Increasing
EN

Arran Whitebeam

Sorbus arranensis

Declining
EN

Prunus detrita

Declining
VU

Sorbus degenii

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Avon Gorge Whitebeam classified as Critically Endangered?
Avon Gorge Whitebeam 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. Sorbus avonensis faces severe threats from habitat degradation and extremely limited population size, with only a handful of mature individuals known to exist in the wild. The species is vulnerable to genetic bottlenecks due to its tiny population, while ongoing pressures from grazing, invasive species, and potential climate-driven habitat shifts threaten the remaining trees. Collection pressure from botanical enthusiasts and the species' inability to reproduce effectively in such small numbers further compound its precarious status.
Where does Avon Gorge Whitebeam live?
Avon Gorge Whitebeam 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 Avon Gorge Whitebeam?
The main threats to Avon Gorge Whitebeam 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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