VU

Dendrophthora sumacoi

Unknown

Overview

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

Dendrophthora sumacoi faces significant pressure from deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited range in Central American cloud forests. As an epiphytic mistletoe dependent on specific host trees, the species is particularly vulnerable to selective logging of mature forest canopies. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the moisture regimes essential for this cloud forest specialist, potentially shifting suitable habitat to higher elevations where host trees may be absent.

Threat summary

Habitat

This epiphytic mistletoe inhabits montane cloud forests, growing parasitically on the branches and trunks of various tree species in the forest canopy. It requires the consistently high humidity and frequent fog characteristic of cloud forest ecosystems at elevations typically between 1,500-2,500 meters.

Other threatened species in SANTALACEAE

VU

Okoubaka michelsonii

Unknown
EN

Santalum haleakalae

Declining
VU

Coastal Bastard Toad-flax

Thesium maritimum

Stable
Exocarpos luteolusCR

Exocarpos luteolus

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Dendrophthora sumacoi classified as Vulnerable?
Dendrophthora sumacoi 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. Dendrophthora sumacoi faces significant pressure from deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited range in Central American cloud forests. As an epiphytic mistletoe dependent on specific host trees, the species is particularly vulnerable to selective logging of mature forest canopies. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the moisture regimes essential for this cloud forest specialist, potentially shifting suitable habitat to higher elevations where host trees may be absent.
Where does Dendrophthora sumacoi live?
Dendrophthora sumacoi 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 Dendrophthora sumacoi?
The main threats to Dendrophthora sumacoi 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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