EN

Sorbus leptophylla

StableENEUENEU

Overview

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

Sorbus leptophylla faces severe population decline due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range. The species is particularly vulnerable to grazing pressure from livestock, which prevents natural regeneration of seedlings and damages mature trees. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased drought stress in its montane habitats.

Threat summary

Habitat

This rare rowan species inhabits montane forests and rocky slopes at elevations between 1,500-2,500 meters, typically growing in mixed deciduous woodlands with well-drained soils. It shows preference for steep, rocky terrain where it can establish in crevices and ledges with reduced 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 Sorbus leptophylla classified as Endangered?
Sorbus leptophylla 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 leptophylla faces severe population decline due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range. The species is particularly vulnerable to grazing pressure from livestock, which prevents natural regeneration of seedlings and damages mature trees. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased drought stress in its montane habitats.
Where does Sorbus leptophylla live?
Sorbus leptophylla 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 Sorbus leptophylla?
The main threats to Sorbus leptophylla 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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