VU

Aphanes cotopaxiensis

Unknown

Overview

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

Aphanes cotopaxiensis faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and livestock grazing in Ecuador's high-altitude páramo ecosystems. The species' restricted range around Cotopaxi Province makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation from potato cultivation and cattle ranching. Climate change poses an additional threat as warming temperatures push suitable habitat to higher elevations, reducing available area for this alpine specialist.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits high-altitude páramo grasslands and alpine meadows in the Ecuadorian Andes, typically occurring between 3,200-4,000 meters elevation. It grows in moist, well-drained soils among native bunch grasses and cushion plants characteristic of these montane ecosystems.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Aphanes cotopaxiensis classified as Vulnerable?
Aphanes cotopaxiensis 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. Aphanes cotopaxiensis faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and livestock grazing in Ecuador's high-altitude páramo ecosystems. The species' restricted range around Cotopaxi Province makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation from potato cultivation and cattle ranching. Climate change poses an additional threat as warming temperatures push suitable habitat to higher elevations, reducing available area for this alpine specialist.
Where does Aphanes cotopaxiensis live?
Aphanes cotopaxiensis 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 Aphanes cotopaxiensis?
The main threats to Aphanes cotopaxiensis 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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