CR

Zingiber macrocephalum

Unknown

Overview

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

Zingiber macrocephalum faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and infrastructure development in its limited range. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, with remaining populations fragmented across increasingly isolated forest patches. Overcollection for traditional medicine and ornamental use has further reduced wild populations, while climate change threatens the specific microhabitat conditions this ginger species requires.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits tropical montane forests and forest margins at elevations between 800-1,500 meters, typically growing in shaded understory areas with high humidity and well-drained soils. It requires specific microclimate conditions found in undisturbed primary and secondary forests with dense canopy cover.

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionEx-situ conservation

Other threatened species in ZINGIBERACEAE

EN

Newmania gracilis

Declining
EN

Newmania sontraensis

Stable
CR

Zingiber engganoense

Unknown
EN

Zingiber lecongkietii

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Zingiber macrocephalum classified as Critically Endangered?
Zingiber macrocephalum 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. Zingiber macrocephalum faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and infrastructure development in its limited range. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, with remaining populations fragmented across increasingly isolated forest patches. Overcollection for traditional medicine and ornamental use has further reduced wild populations, while climate change threatens the specific microhabitat conditions this ginger species requires.
Where does Zingiber macrocephalum live?
Zingiber macrocephalum 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 Zingiber macrocephalum?
The main threats to Zingiber macrocephalum 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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