CR

Aeranthes africana

Unknown

Overview

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

Aeranthes africana faces severe population decline primarily due to deforestation and habitat conversion in Madagascar's remaining rainforest fragments. The species' epiphytic lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable to logging activities that remove its host trees, while agricultural expansion and charcoal production continue to fragment its already limited range. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the humid microclimatic conditions essential for this orchid's survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This epiphytic orchid inhabits the humid rainforests of eastern Madagascar, growing on tree trunks and branches in the forest canopy and understory. It requires consistently moist conditions and is typically found at elevations between 800-1,500 meters in primary and well-preserved secondary forest.

Forest· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protection

Other threatened species in ORCHIDACEAE

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Porpax angustifolia

Unknown
EN

Polystachya longiscapa

Unknown
CR

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Spathoglottis arunachalensis

Declining
VU

Disperis galerita

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Threatened in Madagascar

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Lepiota echinella

Unknown
EN

Montipora calcarea

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Malagasy Giant Jumping Rat

Hypogeomys antimena

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Nasolo's Shrew TenrecVU

Nasolo's Shrew Tenrec

Microgale nasoloi

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Aeranthes africana classified as Critically Endangered?
Aeranthes africana is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Aeranthes africana faces severe population decline primarily due to deforestation and habitat conversion in Madagascar's remaining rainforest fragments. The species' epiphytic lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable to logging activities that remove its host trees, while agricultural expansion and charcoal production continue to fragment its already limited range. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the humid microclimatic conditions essential for this orchid's survival.
Where does Aeranthes africana live?
Aeranthes africana occurs in Madagascar, and Zimbabwe. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Aeranthes africana?
The main threats to Aeranthes africana are 5.4, ai-1, ai-2, and ai-3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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