CR

Ceratostema macbrydeorum

Unknown

Overview

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

Ceratostema macbrydeorum faces severe threats from ongoing deforestation and agricultural expansion within its extremely limited range in the Colombian Andes. The species' restriction to high-altitude cloud forest ecosystems makes it particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts, as warming temperatures force suitable habitat upslope with nowhere left to retreat. Mining activities and infrastructure development in the region pose additional pressures on the remaining forest fragments where this endemic shrub persists.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Colombian shrub inhabits montane cloud forests and elfin woodlands at elevations between 2,800-3,400 meters in the Cordillera Oriental of the Andes. It requires the persistent moisture and cool temperatures characteristic of these high-altitude ecosystems, growing in the understory and forest edges of these specialized montane environments.

Artificial - Terrestrial· major

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Cavendishia macrocephala

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EN

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CR

Orthaea caudata

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EN

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Ceratostema macbrydeorum classified as Critically Endangered?
Ceratostema macbrydeorum 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. Ceratostema macbrydeorum faces severe threats from ongoing deforestation and agricultural expansion within its extremely limited range in the Colombian Andes. The species' restriction to high-altitude cloud forest ecosystems makes it particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts, as warming temperatures force suitable habitat upslope with nowhere left to retreat. Mining activities and infrastructure development in the region pose additional pressures on the remaining forest fragments where this endemic shrub persists.
Where does Ceratostema macbrydeorum live?
Ceratostema macbrydeorum 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 macbrydeorum?
The main threats to Ceratostema macbrydeorum 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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