VU

Urophyllum ellipticum

Unknown

Overview

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

Urophyllum ellipticum faces severe pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion across its limited range in Southeast Asian tropical forests. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, as remaining forest patches become increasingly isolated. Mining activities and infrastructure development further compound these pressures, while climate change threatens to alter the specific microclimatic conditions this understory shrub requires.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits the understory of primary and secondary tropical rainforests, typically found in areas with high humidity and filtered sunlight. It occurs in both lowland and hill forests, preferring well-drained soils with rich organic matter.

Forest· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Urophyllum ellipticum classified as Vulnerable?
Urophyllum ellipticum is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Urophyllum ellipticum faces severe pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion across its limited range in Southeast Asian tropical forests. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, as remaining forest patches become increasingly isolated. Mining activities and infrastructure development further compound these pressures, while climate change threatens to alter the specific microclimatic conditions this understory shrub requires.
Where does Urophyllum ellipticum live?
Urophyllum ellipticum 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 Urophyllum ellipticum?
The main threats to Urophyllum ellipticum 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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