Aristida guayllabambensis
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Aristida guayllabambensis faces primary threats from agricultural expansion and livestock grazing in Ecuador's inter-Andean valleys. Urban development pressure around Quito has fragmented its limited habitat range, while overgrazing by cattle and sheep degrades the native grassland communities where this endemic grass species occurs. Climate change may further stress populations by altering precipitation patterns in its already restricted montane habitat.
Habitat
This endemic grass species inhabits montane grasslands and páramo ecosystems in Ecuador's inter-Andean valleys, typically occurring at elevations between 2,800-3,500 meters. It grows in well-drained soils of native grassland communities that experience seasonal rainfall patterns characteristic of the northern Andes.