Dracula ortiziana
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Dracula ortiziana 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. Agricultural expansion and cattle ranching continue to fragment the remaining montane forest patches essential for this epiphytic orchid's survival. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the precise temperature and humidity conditions required in its cloud forest microhabitat.
Habitat
This epiphytic orchid is endemic to the cloud forests of Ecuador, growing on moss-covered tree branches in the humid montane environment between 1,800-2,400 meters elevation. It requires the specific microclimate conditions of persistent cloud cover and high humidity found in these threatened Andean ecosystems.