Latania verschaffeltii
CR

Latania verschaffeltii

Declining

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latania_verschaffeltii

Overview

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

Latania verschaffeltii faces severe population decline due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its native range in Rodrigues Island. The species is further threatened by invasive plant species that compete for resources and alter the natural ecosystem dynamics. Collection pressure for horticultural trade has historically reduced wild populations, while the species' slow growth rate and limited reproductive capacity make recovery extremely challenging.

Threat summary

Habitat

This critically endangered palm is endemic to Rodrigues Island in the Mascarene Islands, where it naturally occurs in coastal and lowland forest habitats. The species typically grows in well-drained soils on limestone substrates and rocky outcrops, often in areas with seasonal moisture variation.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies reintroduction

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Latania verschaffeltii classified as Critically Endangered?
Latania verschaffeltii is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Latania verschaffeltii faces severe population decline due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its native range in Rodrigues Island. The species is further threatened by invasive plant species that compete for resources and alter the natural ecosystem dynamics. Collection pressure for horticultural trade has historically reduced wild populations, while the species' slow growth rate and limited reproductive capacity make recovery extremely challenging.
Where does Latania verschaffeltii live?
Latania verschaffeltii occurs in Mauritius. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Latania verschaffeltii?
The main threats to Latania verschaffeltii are 2.3, 5.4, 8.1, and ai-1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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