EN

Oreopanax ruizanus

Declining

Overview

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

Oreopanax ruizanus faces severe pressure from ongoing deforestation and agricultural expansion throughout its Andean range. The species' restricted distribution in cloud forest ecosystems makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, as these specialized environments are increasingly converted to cattle pasture and crop cultivation. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the moisture regimes essential for cloud forest persistence at the elevations where this species occurs.

Threat summary

Habitat

Oreopanax ruizanus inhabits montane cloud forests and humid upper montane forests in the Andes, typically occurring at elevations between 2,000-3,500 meters. The species requires the persistent moisture and cool temperatures characteristic of these cloud-shrouded ecosystems.

Other threatened species in ARALIACEAE

EN

Cheirodendron forbesii

Unknown
Asian GinsengCR

Asian Ginseng

Panax ginseng

Declining
CR

Sciodaphyllum dolichostylum

Unknown
EN

Sciodaphyllum connatum

Declining

Threatened in Colombia

EN

Helena's Marsupial Frog

Gastrotheca helenae

Stable
VU

Cavendishia macrocephala

Unknown
EN

Cavendishia sessiliflora

Unknown
VU

Macleania crassa

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Oreopanax ruizanus classified as Endangered?
Oreopanax ruizanus 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. Oreopanax ruizanus faces severe pressure from ongoing deforestation and agricultural expansion throughout its Andean range. The species' restricted distribution in cloud forest ecosystems makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, as these specialized environments are increasingly converted to cattle pasture and crop cultivation. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the moisture regimes essential for cloud forest persistence at the elevations where this species occurs.
Where does Oreopanax ruizanus live?
Oreopanax ruizanus occurs in Colombia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Oreopanax ruizanus?
The main threats to Oreopanax ruizanus 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.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.