CR

Sorbus hohenesteri

DecliningCREUCREU

Overview

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

Sorbus hohenesteri faces severe population decline due to its extremely restricted range in the Austrian Alps, where it exists in only a few isolated locations. The species is threatened by habitat degradation from tourism infrastructure development, grazing pressure from livestock, and climate change impacts that alter the specific montane conditions it requires. Competition from invasive plant species and genetic bottlenecks due to small population size further compound its vulnerability.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic rowan species inhabits rocky slopes, scree, and cliff faces in montane and subalpine zones of the Austrian Alps, typically growing at elevations between 1,200-2,000 meters. It requires well-drained, calcareous soils and thrives in the specific microclimate conditions found in alpine limestone environments.

Conservation measures underway

Ex-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

Threatened in Germany

VU

Lepiota echinella

Unknown
EN

Lyophyllum deliberatum

Unknown
VU

Large Tree-chernes

Dendrochernes cyrneus

Unknown
CR

Cheilosia varnensis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Sorbus hohenesteri classified as Critically Endangered?
Sorbus hohenesteri 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 hohenesteri faces severe population decline due to its extremely restricted range in the Austrian Alps, where it exists in only a few isolated locations. The species is threatened by habitat degradation from tourism infrastructure development, grazing pressure from livestock, and climate change impacts that alter the specific montane conditions it requires. Competition from invasive plant species and genetic bottlenecks due to small population size further compound its vulnerability.
Where does Sorbus hohenesteri live?
Sorbus hohenesteri occurs in Germany. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Sorbus hohenesteri?
The main threats to Sorbus hohenesteri 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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