Byttneria loxensis
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Byttneria loxensis faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching in Ecuador's Loja Province, where its montane forest habitat is being rapidly converted. Deforestation for pastureland and crop cultivation has fragmented the remaining populations, while road construction and urban development further reduce available habitat. The species' restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized habitat destruction.
Habitat
Byttneria loxensis inhabits montane cloud forests and humid subtropical forests in the Andes of southern Ecuador, typically at elevations between 1,500-2,500 meters. The species requires intact forest canopy and is associated with areas of high humidity and consistent moisture levels characteristic of cloud forest ecosystems.
