EN

Welsh Whitebeam

Sorbus cambrensis

StableENEUENEU

Overview

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

Sorbus cambrensis faces severe threats from hybridization with related Sorbus species, which can lead to genetic swamping and loss of pure populations. The species is also vulnerable to habitat degradation from overgrazing by sheep and cattle in its montane environments. Climate change poses an additional risk as warming temperatures may force the species to retreat to higher elevations where suitable habitat becomes increasingly limited.

Threat summary

Habitat

Sorbus cambrensis inhabits rocky slopes, cliff ledges, and montane grasslands in Wales, typically growing on acidic soils at elevations between 300-600 meters. The species favors well-drained, nutrient-poor sites with minimal competition from other vegetation.

Rocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recoveryEx-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 Welsh Whitebeam classified as Endangered?
Welsh Whitebeam 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. Sorbus cambrensis faces severe threats from hybridization with related Sorbus species, which can lead to genetic swamping and loss of pure populations. The species is also vulnerable to habitat degradation from overgrazing by sheep and cattle in its montane environments. Climate change poses an additional risk as warming temperatures may force the species to retreat to higher elevations where suitable habitat becomes increasingly limited.
Where does Welsh Whitebeam live?
Welsh 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 Welsh Whitebeam?
The main threats to Welsh 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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