Quercus iltisii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Quercus iltisii |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
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Quercus
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| Species: |
iltisii
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The Iltis Oak (Quercus iltisii) is a special type of oak tree. It grows naturally in a small part of western Mexico, specifically in the states of Jalisco and Colima. This tree was named after Dr. Hugh Iltis, a famous botanist.
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What Does the Iltis Oak Look Like?
The Iltis Oak is an evergreen tree, which means it keeps its leaves all year round. It can grow very tall, up to 25 meters (about 82 feet), which is like a seven-story building! Its trunk can also be quite wide, sometimes as much as 100 centimeters (about 3.3 feet) across.
Leaves of the Iltis Oak
The leaves of this oak tree are thin and flat. They are shaped like a narrow spear, called lance-shaped. The top side of the leaves is smooth and has no hairs. But if you look at the underside, you'll see it's a bit hairy. These leaves can grow up to 18 centimeters (about 7 inches) long.
Where Does the Iltis Oak Live?
The Iltis Oak is found on the Pacific side of the coastal mountains in western Jalisco and northern Colima states. This area is part of a larger mountain range in Mexico.
How Much Space Does It Need?
Scientists estimate that the Iltis Oak lives in an area that is between 76 and 475 square kilometers. This is called its "area of occupancy." The total area where it could possibly be found, its "extent of occurrence," is much larger, about 9,094 square kilometers.
What Kind of Forests Does It Like?
You can find the Iltis Oak in different types of forests, from 330 to 1,500 meters (about 1,080 to 4,920 feet) above sea level.
- At lower elevations, it lives in tropical semi-deciduous dry forests. These forests lose some of their leaves during the dry season.
- At higher elevations, it grows in pine–oak forests and humid cloud forests. Cloud forests are often covered in mist and clouds, making them very wet.
The Iltis Oak is quite common in these specific areas where it grows. It often shares its home with other trees like different kinds of oaks (Quercus aristata, Quercus castanea, Quercus elliptica, Quercus glaucescens), various pine trees (Pinus oocarpa, Pinus maximinoi, Pinus jaliscana, Pinus douglasiana), and other unique trees like Clethra rosei, Magnolia iltisiana, and Carpinus tropicalis. It is a common tree in the cloud forests of the southern Sierra de Manantlán.
Why Is the Iltis Oak Important to Protect?
The Iltis Oak is facing threats because its home, the forests, are disappearing. This is called deforestation.
What Causes Habitat Loss?
Many of the forests where the Iltis Oak lives are being cut down for various reasons:
- Livestock pasture: Land is cleared to create areas for animals to graze.
- Agriculture: Forests are turned into farms to grow crops like coffee and maize (corn).
- Timber harvesting: Trees are cut down for wood, sometimes illegally.
- Mining: Land is used to dig for minerals.
- Road building: New roads are constructed, cutting through forests.
- Urbanization: More towns and cities are being built, expanding into natural areas.
Because of these threats, the Iltis Oak is considered a near-threatened species. This means it could become endangered if we don't protect its habitat. Luckily, a part of its home is protected in the Sierra de Manantlán Biosphere Reserve. This reserve helps keep the forest safe for the Iltis Oak and other plants and animals.
See also
In Spanish: Quercus iltisii para niños
