VU

Acalypha tunguraguae

Unknown

Overview

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

Acalypha tunguraguae faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching in Ecuador's Tungurahua Province, where its montane forest habitat is being rapidly converted. Mining activities and infrastructure development further fragment the remaining forest patches where this endemic shrub persists. The species' extremely limited geographic range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized habitat destruction and climate-induced shifts in montane forest zones.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Ecuadorian shrub inhabits montane cloud forests and forest edges in the Tungurahua Province, typically occurring at elevations between 1,800-2,500 meters. It grows in humid, nutrient-rich soils along forest margins and in secondary growth areas within the Andean montane forest ecosystem.

Other threatened species in EUPHORBIACEAE

CR

Paracroton sterrhopodus

Unknown
EN

Bernardia mollis

Declining
EN

Bernardia oblanceolata

Declining
VU

Mallotus macularis

Stable

Frequently asked questions

Why is Acalypha tunguraguae classified as Vulnerable?
Acalypha tunguraguae is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Acalypha tunguraguae faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching in Ecuador's Tungurahua Province, where its montane forest habitat is being rapidly converted. Mining activities and infrastructure development further fragment the remaining forest patches where this endemic shrub persists. The species' extremely limited geographic range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized habitat destruction and climate-induced shifts in montane forest zones.
Where does Acalypha tunguraguae live?
Acalypha tunguraguae 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 Acalypha tunguraguae?
The main threats to Acalypha tunguraguae 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.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.