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Draba aretioides

Unknown

Overview

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

Draba aretioides faces severe threats from climate change, as rising temperatures force this alpine specialist to retreat to increasingly higher elevations with limited suitable habitat remaining. The species is particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation due to its extremely restricted range in high-altitude rocky crevices and scree slopes. Tourism and recreational activities in alpine areas pose additional pressure through trampling and soil disturbance in its specialized microhabitats.

Threat summary

Habitat

Draba aretioides occupies extremely specialized alpine habitats, growing in rocky crevices, scree slopes, and limestone cliffs at high elevations in the European Alps. This cushion-forming plant requires well-drained, mineral-rich soils and is adapted to harsh conditions including intense UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, and short growing seasons.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Draba aretioides classified as Endangered?
Draba aretioides 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. Draba aretioides faces severe threats from climate change, as rising temperatures force this alpine specialist to retreat to increasingly higher elevations with limited suitable habitat remaining. The species is particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation due to its extremely restricted range in high-altitude rocky crevices and scree slopes. Tourism and recreational activities in alpine areas pose additional pressure through trampling and soil disturbance in its specialized microhabitats.
Where does Draba aretioides live?
Draba aretioides occurs in Ecuador. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Draba aretioides?
The main threats to Draba aretioides 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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