VU

Blepharispermum hirtum

Unknown

Overview

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

Blepharispermum hirtum faces significant pressure from agricultural expansion and livestock grazing across its limited range in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania. The species' specialized habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to forest fragmentation and degradation from small-scale farming activities. Climate change poses an additional threat as shifting precipitation patterns and rising temperatures may alter the montane forest conditions this endemic plant depends upon.

Threat summary

Habitat

Blepharispermum hirtum is endemic to montane forest habitats in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania, typically occurring in moist, shaded understory environments at elevations between 1,200-2,000 meters. The species requires well-drained forest soils and appears to be associated with specific microclimate conditions found in these ancient mountain forests.

Forest· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Blepharispermum hirtum classified as Vulnerable?
Blepharispermum hirtum 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. Blepharispermum hirtum faces significant pressure from agricultural expansion and livestock grazing across its limited range in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania. The species' specialized habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to forest fragmentation and degradation from small-scale farming activities. Climate change poses an additional threat as shifting precipitation patterns and rising temperatures may alter the montane forest conditions this endemic plant depends upon.
Where does Blepharispermum hirtum live?
Blepharispermum hirtum occurs in Oman, and Yemen. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Blepharispermum hirtum?
The main threats to Blepharispermum hirtum 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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