EN

Dioscorea chimborazensis

Unknown

Overview

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

Dioscorea chimborazensis faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching in Ecuador's Andean foothills, which directly destroys its native forest habitat. The species is further threatened by collection for traditional medicinal uses, as wild yams are harvested for their tubers. Climate change poses an additional risk by altering the specific temperature and moisture conditions required for this endemic species' survival in its restricted montane range.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Ecuadorian yam inhabits cloud forests and humid montane forests on the slopes of the Andes, typically at elevations between 1,500-3,000 meters. It grows as a climbing vine in the understory of these biodiverse ecosystems, requiring the specific moisture and temperature conditions found in these threatened Andean forest habitats.

Other threatened species in DIOSCOREACEAE

CR

Dioscorea tabatae

Declining
VU

Dioscorea kituiensis

Unknown
VU

Dioscorea mundii

Declining
EN

Dioscorea irodensis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Dioscorea chimborazensis classified as Endangered?
Dioscorea chimborazensis 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. Dioscorea chimborazensis faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching in Ecuador's Andean foothills, which directly destroys its native forest habitat. The species is further threatened by collection for traditional medicinal uses, as wild yams are harvested for their tubers. Climate change poses an additional risk by altering the specific temperature and moisture conditions required for this endemic species' survival in its restricted montane range.
Where does Dioscorea chimborazensis live?
Dioscorea chimborazensis 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 Dioscorea chimborazensis?
The main threats to Dioscorea chimborazensis 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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