Diospyros crumenata Thwaites (Ebenaceae): biology, threats and conservation

Summary Diospyros crumenata Thwaites is a critically endangered forest tree species endemic to the Western Ghats‐Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspot. This Ebenaceae member, which has a restricted distribution and a smaller number of individuals, is facing serious threats in its natural habitat. It is an ecologically and economically important tree and is a critical component of the ecosystem of which it is part. The fruits of this tree are edible and are consumed by local communities and wildlife. Lion‐tailed Macaque, which is an endangered flagship primate species of the Western Ghats, depends on this fruit as a food source. We are trying to find the reasons for the endangerment of this tree species and plan conservation measures based on these research findings.