West Indian Spleenwort
Asplenium pteropus
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
The West Indian Spleenwort faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from urban development and agricultural expansion across its limited Caribbean range. Hurricane damage poses an additional significant threat, as these extreme weather events can devastate the moist forest habitats where remaining populations persist. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized extinction events.
Habitat
This endemic fern species inhabits moist tropical forests and shaded rocky crevices in mountainous regions of the Caribbean islands. It typically grows in humid microhabitats with consistent moisture, often on limestone substrates or in forest understory environments.
Other threatened species in Aspleniaceae
Frequently asked questions
Why is West Indian Spleenwort classified as Endangered?
Where does West Indian Spleenwort live?
What are the main threats to West Indian Spleenwort?
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