CR

Alsophila rupestris

Unknown

Overview

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

Alsophila rupestris faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to deforestation and agricultural expansion in its limited montane forest range. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while climate change poses additional risks by altering the cool, humid conditions essential for tree fern survival. Collection pressure for horticultural trade has historically impacted wild populations of this and related tree fern species.

Threat summary

Habitat

Alsophila rupestris inhabits cool, humid montane forests typically at elevations between 1,000-2,500 meters. The species requires consistently moist conditions and partial shade provided by the forest canopy, often growing in ravines and along stream banks where humidity levels remain high.

Other threatened species in Cyatheaceae

VU

Cyathea acutidens

Unknown
EN

Cyathea gracilis

Unknown
CR

Cyathea boconensis

Unknown
CR

Alsophila major

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Alsophila rupestris classified as Critically Endangered?
Alsophila rupestris 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. Alsophila rupestris faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to deforestation and agricultural expansion in its limited montane forest range. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while climate change poses additional risks by altering the cool, humid conditions essential for tree fern survival. Collection pressure for horticultural trade has historically impacted wild populations of this and related tree fern species.
Where does Alsophila rupestris live?
Alsophila rupestris 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 Alsophila rupestris?
The main threats to Alsophila rupestris 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.

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