CR

Angraecopsis thomensis

Stable

Overview

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

Angraecopsis thomensis faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat conversion on São Tomé Island, where its montane forest habitat is being cleared for agriculture and development. The species' extremely restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to any habitat disturbance, while climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns that could affect the humid conditions this epiphytic orchid requires. Collection pressure for the horticultural trade may also impact remaining populations of this rare endemic.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic orchid is restricted to the montane forests of São Tomé Island, typically growing as an epiphyte on trees in humid, cloud-affected forest environments at higher elevations. The species depends on the specific microclimate conditions provided by the island's remaining primary forest fragments.

Conservation measures underway

Ex-situ conservation

Other threatened species in ORCHIDACEAE

EN

Porpax angustifolia

Unknown
EN

Polystachya longiscapa

Unknown
CR

The Lost Spathoglottis

Spathoglottis arunachalensis

Declining
VU

Disperis galerita

Declining

Threatened in São Tomé & Príncipe

VU

Giant Sunbird

Dreptes thomensis

Declining
EN

Diaphananthe thomensis

Declining
EN

Diaphananthe vagans

Declining
EN

Cribbia pendula

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Angraecopsis thomensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Angraecopsis thomensis 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. Angraecopsis thomensis faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat conversion on São Tomé Island, where its montane forest habitat is being cleared for agriculture and development. The species' extremely restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to any habitat disturbance, while climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns that could affect the humid conditions this epiphytic orchid requires. Collection pressure for the horticultural trade may also impact remaining populations of this rare endemic.
Where does Angraecopsis thomensis live?
Angraecopsis thomensis occurs in São Tomé & Príncipe. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Angraecopsis thomensis?
The main threats to Angraecopsis thomensis are 2.1, 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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