EN

Dendrophthora variabilis

Unknown

Overview

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

Dendrophthora variabilis faces severe population decline primarily due to deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited range in Central American cloud forests. The species' parasitic lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable to host tree loss, as it depends entirely on specific tree species for survival. Agricultural expansion and coffee plantation development have eliminated much of its montane forest habitat, while climate change threatens to shift suitable elevation zones beyond the species' adaptive capacity.

Threat summary

Habitat

This parasitic mistletoe inhabits montane cloud forests between 1,200-2,400 meters elevation, growing exclusively on branches of specific host trees in the Lauraceae and Fagaceae families. It requires the consistent moisture and temperature conditions found in these high-altitude tropical forests of Central America.

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 variabilis classified as Endangered?
Dendrophthora variabilis 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. Dendrophthora variabilis faces severe population decline primarily due to deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited range in Central American cloud forests. The species' parasitic lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable to host tree loss, as it depends entirely on specific tree species for survival. Agricultural expansion and coffee plantation development have eliminated much of its montane forest habitat, while climate change threatens to shift suitable elevation zones beyond the species' adaptive capacity.
Where does Dendrophthora variabilis live?
Dendrophthora variabilis 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 variabilis?
The main threats to Dendrophthora variabilis 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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