EN

Chimborazoa lachnocarpa

Unknown

Overview

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

Chimborazoa lachnocarpa faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and livestock grazing in Ecuador's high-altitude páramo ecosystems. The species' restricted range on volcanic slopes makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation from potato cultivation and cattle ranching. Climate change poses an additional threat as warming temperatures force alpine plant communities to migrate upslope, potentially eliminating suitable habitat at the highest elevations.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic plant species inhabits high-altitude páramo grasslands and alpine scrublands on the volcanic slopes of Chimborazo and surrounding peaks in Ecuador. It typically grows at elevations between 3,800-4,500 meters in areas with well-drained soils and frequent cloud cover.

Other threatened species in SAPINDACEAE

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Sapindus oahuensis

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EN

Allophylus torrei

Unknown
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Guioa waigeoensis

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EN

Tina tamatavensis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Chimborazoa lachnocarpa classified as Endangered?
Chimborazoa lachnocarpa 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. Chimborazoa lachnocarpa faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and livestock grazing in Ecuador's high-altitude páramo ecosystems. The species' restricted range on volcanic slopes makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation from potato cultivation and cattle ranching. Climate change poses an additional threat as warming temperatures force alpine plant communities to migrate upslope, potentially eliminating suitable habitat at the highest elevations.
Where does Chimborazoa lachnocarpa live?
Chimborazoa lachnocarpa 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 Chimborazoa lachnocarpa?
The main threats to Chimborazoa lachnocarpa 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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