Ulmus gaussenii
CR

Ulmus gaussenii

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Ulmus gaussenii faces severe population decline due to extensive deforestation and agricultural conversion throughout its native range in southwestern China. The species is particularly vulnerable to Dutch elm disease, which has devastated elm populations globally, while habitat fragmentation isolates remaining populations and reduces genetic diversity. Urban development and infrastructure expansion continue to eliminate critical habitat areas where this rare elm once thrived.

Threat summary

Habitat

Ulmus gaussenii inhabits mixed deciduous forests and woodland margins in mountainous regions of southwestern China, typically growing at elevations between 1,000-2,500 meters. The species prefers well-drained soils in temperate forest ecosystems alongside other native broadleaf trees.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical dry· major

Other threatened species in ULMACEAE

EN

Ulmus ismaelis

Stable
VU

Zelkova schneideriana

Declining
VU

Chinese Zelkova

Zelkova sinica

Declining
VU

Caucasian Zelkova

Zelkova carpinifolia

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Ulmus gaussenii classified as Critically Endangered?
Ulmus gaussenii 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. Ulmus gaussenii faces severe population decline due to extensive deforestation and agricultural conversion throughout its native range in southwestern China. The species is particularly vulnerable to Dutch elm disease, which has devastated elm populations globally, while habitat fragmentation isolates remaining populations and reduces genetic diversity. Urban development and infrastructure expansion continue to eliminate critical habitat areas where this rare elm once thrived.
Where does Ulmus gaussenii live?
Ulmus gaussenii 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 Ulmus gaussenii?
The main threats to Ulmus gaussenii 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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