CR

Dracula bellerophon

Declining

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.

Threat summary

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.

Conservation measures underway

Legislation

Other threatened species in ORCHIDACEAE

EN

Porpax angustifolia

Unknown
EN

Polystachya longiscapa

Unknown
CR

The Lost Spathoglottis

Spathoglottis arunachalensis

Declining
VU

Disperis galerita

Declining

Threatened in Colombia

EN

Helena's Marsupial Frog

Gastrotheca helenae

Stable
VU

Cavendishia macrocephala

Unknown
EN

Cavendishia sessiliflora

Unknown
VU

Macleania crassa

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Dracula bellerophon classified as Critically Endangered?
Dracula bellerophon 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. 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.
Where does Dracula bellerophon live?
Dracula bellerophon occurs in Colombia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Dracula bellerophon?
The main threats to Dracula bellerophon are 3.2, ai-1, ai-2, and ai-3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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