EN

Vaccinium rapae

Declining

Overview

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

Vaccinium rapae faces severe threats from agricultural expansion and habitat conversion in its limited montane range. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while climate change poses additional risks through shifting temperature and precipitation patterns in high-altitude ecosystems. Overgrazing by livestock in mountain pastures further degrades the specialized acidic soil conditions this blueberry species requires.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic blueberry species inhabits acidic soils in montane and subalpine zones, typically found in open woodlands, heath communities, and mountain slopes at elevations between 1,500-3,000 meters. It requires well-drained, nutrient-poor soils with specific pH conditions characteristic of high-altitude ericaceous plant communities.

Other threatened species in ERICACEAE

VU

Cavendishia macrocephala

Unknown
EN

Cavendishia sessiliflora

Unknown
VU

Macleania crassa

Unknown
CR

Orthaea caudata

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Vaccinium rapae classified as Endangered?
Vaccinium rapae 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. Vaccinium rapae faces severe threats from agricultural expansion and habitat conversion in its limited montane range. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while climate change poses additional risks through shifting temperature and precipitation patterns in high-altitude ecosystems. Overgrazing by livestock in mountain pastures further degrades the specialized acidic soil conditions this blueberry species requires.
Where does Vaccinium rapae live?
Vaccinium rapae 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 Vaccinium rapae?
The main threats to Vaccinium rapae 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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