CR

Cheirostylis tippica

Declining

Overview

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

Cheirostylis tippica faces severe threats from rapid deforestation and habitat conversion in its limited range within the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, including infrastructure development and agricultural expansion. Mining activities and quarrying operations in the region pose additional direct threats to the remaining forest fragments where this orchid persists.

Threat summary

Habitat

This terrestrial orchid inhabits the understory of moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests in the Western Ghats of India. It typically grows in shaded areas with rich, well-drained soil and high humidity levels characteristic of tropical montane forest ecosystems.

Conservation measures underway

Species recoveryLegislation

Frequently asked questions

Why is Cheirostylis tippica classified as Critically Endangered?
Cheirostylis tippica 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. Cheirostylis tippica faces severe threats from rapid deforestation and habitat conversion in its limited range within the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, including infrastructure development and agricultural expansion. Mining activities and quarrying operations in the region pose additional direct threats to the remaining forest fragments where this orchid persists.
Where does Cheirostylis tippica live?
Cheirostylis tippica occurs in India. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Cheirostylis tippica?
The main threats to Cheirostylis tippica are 1.1, 11.1, 5.3, and 9.3.4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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