CR

Disperis ciliata

Declining

Overview

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

Disperis ciliata faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited South African range. The species' specialized pollination requirements and narrow ecological niche make it particularly vulnerable to environmental disturbances. Mining activities and invasive plant species further fragment the remaining suitable habitat patches.

Threat summary

Habitat

This terrestrial orchid inhabits grasslands, fynbos vegetation, and rocky outcrops in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa. It typically grows in well-drained soils on slopes and plateaus at elevations between 200-1000 meters.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical moist montane· major

Conservation measures underway

Legislation

Other threatened species in ORCHIDACEAE

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VU

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Lepiota echinella

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Malagasy Giant Jumping Rat

Hypogeomys antimena

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Nasolo's Shrew TenrecVU

Nasolo's Shrew Tenrec

Microgale nasoloi

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Disperis ciliata classified as Critically Endangered?
Disperis ciliata is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Disperis ciliata faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited South African range. The species' specialized pollination requirements and narrow ecological niche make it particularly vulnerable to environmental disturbances. Mining activities and invasive plant species further fragment the remaining suitable habitat patches.
Where does Disperis ciliata live?
Disperis ciliata occurs in Madagascar. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Disperis ciliata?
The main threats to Disperis ciliata are 2.1, 2.1.1, 5.3, and 5.4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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