EN

Zanthoxylum retusum

Declining

Overview

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

Zanthoxylum retusum faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its native range. Overexploitation for traditional medicinal uses has further reduced wild populations, as the species' bark and roots are harvested for their therapeutic properties. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering precipitation patterns and temperature regimes in the specific ecological niches this species requires.

Threat summary

Habitat

Zanthoxylum retusum inhabits dry deciduous forests and scrublands in tropical and subtropical regions, typically growing on well-drained soils at elevations between 200-1000 meters. The species shows preference for areas with distinct wet and dry seasons, often found along forest edges and in secondary growth areas.

Other threatened species in RUTACEAE

CR

Melicope quadrangularis

Declining
VU

Melicope wawraeana

Declining
VU

Vepris drummondii

Declining
VU

Zanthoxylum mildbraedii

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Zanthoxylum retusum classified as Endangered?
Zanthoxylum retusum 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. Zanthoxylum retusum faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its native range. Overexploitation for traditional medicinal uses has further reduced wild populations, as the species' bark and roots are harvested for their therapeutic properties. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering precipitation patterns and temperature regimes in the specific ecological niches this species requires.
Where does Zanthoxylum retusum live?
Zanthoxylum retusum 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 Zanthoxylum retusum?
The main threats to Zanthoxylum retusum 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.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.