Extinction Risk Assessments at the Species Level: National Red List Status of Endemic Wild Cinnamon Species in Sri Lanka

Among the seven endemic wild cinnamon species in Sri Lanka, three are classified as Threatened (Cinnamomum litseaefolium, C. rivulorum, and C. sinharajaense), two as Highly Threatened (C. capparucoronde and C. citriodorum), one as Indeterminate (C. ovalifolium), and only C. dubium as Not Threatened. This assessment, based on eco-geographical surveys, herbarium data, and potential distribution modeling using DIVA-GIS, highlights critical threats including habitat destruction, urbanization, and unsustainable agriculture. The study underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these ecologically and economically valuable species, particularly those endemic to Sinharaja Forest Reserve.

Kumarathilake, D., Senanayake, S., Wijesekara, G., Wijesundera, D., & Ranawaka, R. (2011). Extinction Risk Assessments at the Species Level: National Red List Status of Endemic Wild Cinnamon Species in Sri Lanka. Tropical Agricultural Research, 21(3), 247. https://doi.org/10.4038/tar.v21i3.3298