CR

Cynorkis rolfei

Declining

Overview

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

Cynorkis rolfei faces severe threats from ongoing deforestation and habitat conversion in Madagascar's remaining forest fragments. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while collection pressure for the horticultural trade poses an additional risk to wild populations. Climate change may further stress this orchid's specialized ecological requirements in its montane forest habitat.

Threat summary

Habitat

This orchid species is endemic to the montane forests of Madagascar, typically found in humid, shaded understory environments at higher elevations. It grows as an epiphyte or terrestrial plant in the specialized microclimate conditions of Madagascar's rapidly disappearing native forest ecosystems.

Forest· majorMarine coastal/supratidal· major

Conservation measures underway

Legislation

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Disperis galerita

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Lepiota echinella

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Montipora calcarea

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Malagasy Giant Jumping Rat

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Nasolo's Shrew TenrecVU

Nasolo's Shrew Tenrec

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Cynorkis rolfei classified as Critically Endangered?
Cynorkis rolfei 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. Cynorkis rolfei faces severe threats from ongoing deforestation and habitat conversion in Madagascar's remaining forest fragments. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while collection pressure for the horticultural trade poses an additional risk to wild populations. Climate change may further stress this orchid's specialized ecological requirements in its montane forest habitat.
Where does Cynorkis rolfei live?
Cynorkis rolfei occurs in Madagascar. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Cynorkis rolfei?
The main threats to Cynorkis rolfei are 5.3, 5.4, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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