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Zanthoxylum psammophilum

Unknown

Overview

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

Zanthoxylum psammophilum faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as coastal sand dune ecosystems are converted for tourism development and urban expansion along Madagascar's coastline. The species' specialized adaptation to sandy substrates makes it particularly vulnerable to coastal erosion and sea-level rise, which are accelerating due to climate change. Additional threats include collection for traditional medicinal uses and grazing pressure from livestock in remaining habitat fragments.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Malagasy species inhabits coastal sand dunes and sandy soils along Madagascar's shoreline, where it has adapted to the harsh conditions of salt spray, shifting sands, and nutrient-poor substrates. The plant typically grows in open, exposed areas within the coastal dune ecosystem, often forming part of the specialized vegetation that stabilizes these dynamic sandy environments.

Forest· majorMarine coastal/supratidal· major

Other threatened species in RUTACEAE

CR

Melicope quadrangularis

Declining
VU

Melicope wawraeana

Declining
VU

Vepris drummondii

Declining
VU

Zanthoxylum mildbraedii

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Zanthoxylum psammophilum classified as Endangered?
Zanthoxylum psammophilum 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. Zanthoxylum psammophilum faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as coastal sand dune ecosystems are converted for tourism development and urban expansion along Madagascar's coastline. The species' specialized adaptation to sandy substrates makes it particularly vulnerable to coastal erosion and sea-level rise, which are accelerating due to climate change. Additional threats include collection for traditional medicinal uses and grazing pressure from livestock in remaining habitat fragments.
Where does Zanthoxylum psammophilum live?
Zanthoxylum psammophilum 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 Zanthoxylum psammophilum?
The main threats to Zanthoxylum psammophilum 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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