CR

Cynorkis usambarae

Unknown

Overview

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

Cynorkis usambarae faces severe threats from ongoing deforestation and agricultural expansion in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania. The species' extremely restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, while logging activities continue to degrade the remaining montane forest patches where this orchid occurs. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the specific temperature and moisture conditions required for this endemic orchid's survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic orchid is restricted to montane forests in the Usambara Mountains of Tanzania, typically occurring in moist, shaded understory environments at elevations between 1,200-1,800 meters. The species requires the specific microclimate conditions found in intact Eastern Arc Mountain forests, including high humidity and stable temperatures.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical moist lowland· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protection

Other threatened species in ORCHIDACEAE

EN

Porpax angustifolia

Unknown
EN

Polystachya longiscapa

Unknown
CR

The Lost Spathoglottis

Spathoglottis arunachalensis

Declining
VU

Disperis galerita

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Cynorkis usambarae classified as Critically Endangered?
Cynorkis usambarae 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 usambarae faces severe threats from ongoing deforestation and agricultural expansion in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania. The species' extremely restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, while logging activities continue to degrade the remaining montane forest patches where this orchid occurs. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the specific temperature and moisture conditions required for this endemic orchid's survival.
Where does Cynorkis usambarae live?
Cynorkis usambarae 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 Cynorkis usambarae?
The main threats to Cynorkis usambarae are 5.3, ai-1, ai-2, and ai-3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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