Deschampsia aurea
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Deschampsia aurea faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and livestock grazing in its native Andean grassland habitats. Climate change poses an additional threat as warming temperatures push suitable habitat to higher elevations, fragmenting already limited populations. Mining activities and infrastructure development further reduce available habitat in this species' restricted montane range.
Habitat
This perennial grass species inhabits high-altitude Andean grasslands and páramo ecosystems, typically occurring between 3,000-4,500 meters elevation. It grows in well-drained soils of montane meadows and alpine grassland communities where it forms part of the native tussock grass vegetation.