Rationale
:
The extent of occurrence (EOO) of Helictosperma malacophylla is estimated to be 273.476 km2, which falls outside any threat category, but its area of occupancy (AOO) is 261 km2, which complies with the Endangered category under the sub-criterion B2. The species occurs in ten locations and is known from more than fifty collections, twelve of which were collected recently (after 1989). The distribution of these recent collections coincides with the distribution of the older specimens (from 1892 till 1975), indicating that the species remains present throughout its original distribution area. Only few specimens were collected from protected areas, notably Ankarafantsika National Park, Tsingy de Namoroka Strict Nature Reserve and Kirindy Mitea National Park. Despite its large extent of occurrence, Helictosperma malacophylla is threathened locally by reduction of its habitat through slash-and-burn agriculture, logging for timber and charcoal and burning to improve grazing. Based on the above observations, the species is assessed as Near Threathened.b
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