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Ceratostema lanceolatum

Unknown

Overview

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

Ceratostema lanceolatum faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching in Colombia's montane regions, which directly destroys its specialized cloud forest habitat. Mining activities and infrastructure development further fragment the remaining forest patches where this endemic shrub survives. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the moisture regimes essential for cloud forest ecosystems, potentially shifting suitable habitat to higher elevations where less area is available.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Colombian shrub inhabits cloud forests and montane humid forests at elevations between 2,000-3,200 meters in the Cordillera Oriental. It requires the persistent moisture and cool temperatures characteristic of these high-altitude ecosystems, typically growing in areas with frequent fog and high humidity.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Ceratostema lanceolatum classified as Endangered?
Ceratostema lanceolatum is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Ceratostema lanceolatum faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching in Colombia's montane regions, which directly destroys its specialized cloud forest habitat. Mining activities and infrastructure development further fragment the remaining forest patches where this endemic shrub survives. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the moisture regimes essential for cloud forest ecosystems, potentially shifting suitable habitat to higher elevations where less area is available.
Where does Ceratostema lanceolatum live?
Ceratostema lanceolatum 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 Ceratostema lanceolatum?
The main threats to Ceratostema lanceolatum 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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