VU

Castilleja ecuadorensis

Unknown

Overview

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

Castilleja ecuadorensis faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching in Ecuador's highland regions, which directly destroys its specialized páramo habitat. Mining activities and infrastructure development further fragment the remaining populations, while climate change threatens to shift the altitudinal zones where this endemic paintbrush can survive.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Ecuadorian paintbrush inhabits high-altitude páramo grasslands and alpine meadows, typically found between 3,000-4,200 meters elevation in the Andes. It grows in moist, well-drained soils among native bunch grasses and other specialized páramo vegetation.

Other threatened species in OROBANCHACEAE

EN

Pedicularis sanguilimbata

Unknown
EN

Lindenbergia awashensis

Declining
EN

Odontites hispidulus

Declining
VU

Buchnera keilii

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Castilleja ecuadorensis classified as Vulnerable?
Castilleja ecuadorensis 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. Castilleja ecuadorensis faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching in Ecuador's highland regions, which directly destroys its specialized páramo habitat. Mining activities and infrastructure development further fragment the remaining populations, while climate change threatens to shift the altitudinal zones where this endemic paintbrush can survive.
Where does Castilleja ecuadorensis live?
Castilleja ecuadorensis 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 Castilleja ecuadorensis?
The main threats to Castilleja ecuadorensis 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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