VU

Cyrtochilum leucopterum

Unknown

Overview

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

Cyrtochilum leucopterum faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as cloud forests across its Andean range are cleared for agriculture and cattle ranching. The species' specialized epiphytic lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable to forest fragmentation, as it requires mature trees with stable microclimates for survival. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the moisture regimes and temperature patterns essential for this orchid's growth in high-altitude cloud forest environments.

Threat summary

Habitat

This epiphytic orchid inhabits cloud forests and montane forests at elevations between 1,500-3,000 meters in the Andes. It grows on tree trunks and branches in areas with high humidity and frequent mist, requiring the stable microclimatic conditions found in mature forest ecosystems.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Cyrtochilum leucopterum classified as Vulnerable?
Cyrtochilum leucopterum is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Cyrtochilum leucopterum faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as cloud forests across its Andean range are cleared for agriculture and cattle ranching. The species' specialized epiphytic lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable to forest fragmentation, as it requires mature trees with stable microclimates for survival. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the moisture regimes and temperature patterns essential for this orchid's growth in high-altitude cloud forest environments.
Where does Cyrtochilum leucopterum live?
Cyrtochilum leucopterum 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 Cyrtochilum leucopterum?
The main threats to Cyrtochilum leucopterum 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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