Hyophorbe verschaffeltii
CR

Hyophorbe verschaffeltii

Declining

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyophorbe_verschaffeltii

Overview

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

Hyophorbe verschaffeltii faces severe population decline due to extremely limited natural habitat on Mauritius, where fewer than 100 mature individuals remain in the wild. Urban development and agricultural expansion have fragmented the remaining coastal and lowland forest patches where this palm naturally occurs. The species' slow growth rate and limited reproductive capacity make recovery particularly challenging, while invasive plant species compete for resources in its restricted range.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Mauritian palm naturally occurs in coastal and lowland forest areas, typically growing in well-drained soils at elevations below 300 meters. The species prefers semi-shaded conditions under the forest canopy and is adapted to the island's tropical maritime climate.

Rocky areas· majorMarine neritic· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Hyophorbe verschaffeltii classified as Critically Endangered?
Hyophorbe verschaffeltii 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. Hyophorbe verschaffeltii faces severe population decline due to extremely limited natural habitat on Mauritius, where fewer than 100 mature individuals remain in the wild. Urban development and agricultural expansion have fragmented the remaining coastal and lowland forest patches where this palm naturally occurs. The species' slow growth rate and limited reproductive capacity make recovery particularly challenging, while invasive plant species compete for resources in its restricted range.
Where does Hyophorbe verschaffeltii live?
Hyophorbe verschaffeltii occurs in Mauritius. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Hyophorbe verschaffeltii?
The main threats to Hyophorbe verschaffeltii are 2.3, 8.1, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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