CR

Zanthoxylum mayu

Declining

Overview

Zanthoxylum mayu, synonym Fagara mayu, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rutaceae. It is a tree endemic to Robinson Crusoe Island in the Juan Fernández Archipelago of Chile. It is threatened by habitat loss.

Zanthoxylum mayu faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and habitat conversion for agricultural expansion in its native Andean cloud forest range. The species is further threatened by selective harvesting for its aromatic bark and medicinal properties, which has reduced mature reproductive individuals. Climate change poses an additional threat as rising temperatures force suitable habitat zones to higher elevations, fragmenting the already limited montane forest ecosystems where this endemic tree survives.

Threat summary

Habitat

Zanthoxylum mayu is endemic to Andean cloud forests and montane humid forests, typically occurring at elevations between 1,500-3,000 meters in Bolivia and Peru. The species requires the specific microclimate conditions of these mist-shrouded forests, including high humidity, moderate temperatures, and well-drained volcanic soils.

Forest· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionHabitat & natural process restoration

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CR

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Zanthoxylum mayu classified as Critically Endangered?
Zanthoxylum mayu 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. Zanthoxylum mayu faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and habitat conversion for agricultural expansion in its native Andean cloud forest range. The species is further threatened by selective harvesting for its aromatic bark and medicinal properties, which has reduced mature reproductive individuals. Climate change poses an additional threat as rising temperatures force suitable habitat zones to higher elevations, fragmenting the already limited montane forest ecosystems where this endemic tree survives.
Where does Zanthoxylum mayu live?
Zanthoxylum mayu occurs in Chile. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Zanthoxylum mayu?
The main threats to Zanthoxylum mayu are 2.1, 2.3, 8.1, and ai-1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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