CR

Dracula berthae

Declining

Overview

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

Dracula berthae faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat conversion in Ecuador's cloud forests, where its extremely limited range makes it vulnerable to even small-scale disturbances. Mining activities and agricultural expansion in the Cordillera del Toisán region directly threaten the remaining populations. The species' highly specialized epiphytic lifestyle and dependence on specific microclimatic conditions make it particularly susceptible to climate change impacts on montane ecosystems.

Threat summary

Habitat

Dracula berthae is endemic to the cloud forests of the Cordillera del Toisán in Ecuador, where it grows as an epiphyte on moss-covered tree branches at elevations between 1,800-2,200 meters. The species requires the consistently humid, cool conditions and filtered light typical of pristine montane cloud forest ecosystems.

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 berthae classified as Critically Endangered?
Dracula berthae 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 berthae faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat conversion in Ecuador's cloud forests, where its extremely limited range makes it vulnerable to even small-scale disturbances. Mining activities and agricultural expansion in the Cordillera del Toisán region directly threaten the remaining populations. The species' highly specialized epiphytic lifestyle and dependence on specific microclimatic conditions make it particularly susceptible to climate change impacts on montane ecosystems.
Where does Dracula berthae live?
Dracula berthae 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 berthae?
The main threats to Dracula berthae are 2.1, 3.2, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.