Dracula bellerophon
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Dracula bellerophon faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat conversion in Ecuador's cloud forests, where its epiphytic lifestyle makes it entirely dependent on mature forest canopy conditions. Mining activities and agricultural expansion have fragmented its already limited montane habitat, while climate change alters the precise temperature and humidity conditions this orchid requires for survival.
Habitat
This epiphytic orchid inhabits the cloud forests of Ecuador's eastern Andean slopes, growing on moss-covered tree branches in the humid montane environment between 1,500-2,500 meters elevation. It requires the specific microclimate conditions of primary cloud forest, including consistent moisture, filtered light, and stable temperatures.