CR

Symplocos versicolor

Unknown

Overview

Symplocos versicolor is a species of flowering plant in the family Symplocaceae. It is endemic to Sri Lanka.

Symplocos versicolor faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and habitat conversion in its native montane forest ecosystems. The species' restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, with logging activities and agricultural expansion fragmenting the remaining forest patches. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the specific temperature and moisture conditions required for this montane specialist.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits montane forests and cloud forests at elevations typically between 1,000-2,500 meters. It requires the specific microclimate conditions found in these high-altitude ecosystems, including consistent moisture levels and cooler temperatures.

Forest· major

Other threatened species in SYMPLOCACEAE

EN

Symplocos culminicola

Declining
CR

Symplocos yapacanensis

Declining
CR

Symplocos rhamnifolia

Declining
EN

Symplocos oreophila

Unknown

Threatened in Sri Lanka

Indian Star TortoiseVU

Indian Star Tortoise

Geochelone elegans

Declining
EN

Ceylonosticta nietneri

Declining
EN

Lipstick Goby

Sicyopus jonklaasi

Declining
EN

Martenstyni's Barb

Systomus martenstyni

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Symplocos versicolor classified as Critically Endangered?
Symplocos versicolor 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. Symplocos versicolor faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and habitat conversion in its native montane forest ecosystems. The species' restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, with logging activities and agricultural expansion fragmenting the remaining forest patches. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the specific temperature and moisture conditions required for this montane specialist.
Where does Symplocos versicolor live?
Symplocos versicolor occurs in Sri Lanka. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Symplocos versicolor?
The main threats to Symplocos versicolor 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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