VU

Brunellia cayambensis

Declining

Overview

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

Brunellia cayambensis faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching in Ecuador's montane regions, which has fragmented its cloud forest habitat. Deforestation for pastureland and crop cultivation continues to reduce the species' already limited range, while climate change threatens to shift suitable habitat zones upslope beyond the species' adaptive capacity.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic tree species inhabits cloud forests and montane humid forests in the Ecuadorian Andes, typically occurring at elevations between 2,000-3,000 meters. It requires the consistent moisture and cool temperatures characteristic of these high-altitude tropical montane ecosystems.

Other threatened species in BRUNELLIACEAE

VU

Brunellia pallida

Stable
VU

Brunellia costaricensis

Unknown
CR

Brunellia rufa

Declining
EN

Brunellia brunnea

Declining

Threatened in Colombia

EN

Helena's Marsupial Frog

Gastrotheca helenae

Stable
VU

Cavendishia macrocephala

Unknown
EN

Cavendishia sessiliflora

Unknown
VU

Macleania crassa

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Brunellia cayambensis classified as Vulnerable?
Brunellia cayambensis 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. Brunellia cayambensis faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching in Ecuador's montane regions, which has fragmented its cloud forest habitat. Deforestation for pastureland and crop cultivation continues to reduce the species' already limited range, while climate change threatens to shift suitable habitat zones upslope beyond the species' adaptive capacity.
Where does Brunellia cayambensis live?
Brunellia cayambensis occurs in Colombia, and Ecuador. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Brunellia cayambensis?
The main threats to Brunellia cayambensis 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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