VU

Pouteria fossicola

Unknown

Overview

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

Pouteria fossicola faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited Costa Rican range. Deforestation for cattle ranching and coffee plantations has fragmented remaining forest patches, while the species' slow growth rate and specific soil requirements make natural regeneration extremely difficult. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that affect the delicate moisture balance required for successful reproduction.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Costa Rican tree species inhabits premontane and lower montane moist forests, typically growing on well-drained volcanic soils at elevations between 800-1,500 meters. It requires the humid microclimate of intact forest canopy and is particularly associated with secondary growth areas adjacent to primary forest remnants.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Pouteria fossicola classified as Vulnerable?
Pouteria fossicola 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. Pouteria fossicola faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited Costa Rican range. Deforestation for cattle ranching and coffee plantations has fragmented remaining forest patches, while the species' slow growth rate and specific soil requirements make natural regeneration extremely difficult. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that affect the delicate moisture balance required for successful reproduction.
Where does Pouteria fossicola live?
Pouteria fossicola 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 Pouteria fossicola?
The main threats to Pouteria fossicola 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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