CR

Blakea macbrydei

Declining

Overview

Blakea macbrydei is a species of plant in the family Melastomataceae. It is endemic to Ecuador.

Blakea macbrydei faces severe threats from ongoing deforestation and habitat fragmentation within its extremely limited range in Costa Rica's montane cloud forests. Agricultural expansion, particularly coffee cultivation and cattle ranching, continues to encroach upon the remaining forest fragments where this endemic shrub persists. The species' restricted distribution makes it exceptionally vulnerable to localized habitat destruction, with climate change potentially altering the specific moisture and temperature conditions required by cloud forest ecosystems.

Threat summary

Habitat

Blakea macbrydei is endemic to the montane cloud forests of Costa Rica, typically occurring at elevations between 1,200-2,000 meters. These humid, mist-shrouded forests provide the specific microclimate conditions this species requires, characterized by persistent cloud cover, high humidity, and relatively stable temperatures year-round.

Other threatened species in MELASTOMATACEAE

VU

Brachyotum angustifolium

Unknown
CR

Blakea steyermarkii

Declining
VU

Gravesia pulchra

Declining
VU

Blakea calycularis

Declining

Threatened in Ecuador

EN

Puya fastuosa

Unknown
VU

Diospyros esmereg

Declining
VU

Copper Shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus

Declining
EN

Baird's Tapir

Tapirus bairdii

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Blakea macbrydei classified as Critically Endangered?
Blakea macbrydei 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. Blakea macbrydei faces severe threats from ongoing deforestation and habitat fragmentation within its extremely limited range in Costa Rica's montane cloud forests. Agricultural expansion, particularly coffee cultivation and cattle ranching, continues to encroach upon the remaining forest fragments where this endemic shrub persists. The species' restricted distribution makes it exceptionally vulnerable to localized habitat destruction, with climate change potentially altering the specific moisture and temperature conditions required by cloud forest ecosystems.
Where does Blakea macbrydei live?
Blakea macbrydei occurs in Ecuador. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Blakea macbrydei?
The main threats to Blakea macbrydei are 3.2, 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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