CR

Dracula pholeodytes

Declining

Overview

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

Dracula pholeodytes faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat conversion in Ecuador's cloud forests, where its extremely limited range makes it vulnerable to any disturbance. Mining activities and agricultural expansion continue to fragment the remaining montane forest patches. The species' specialized epiphytic lifestyle and narrow altitudinal requirements make it particularly susceptible to climate change impacts on cloud forest ecosystems.

Threat summary

Habitat

This orchid species is endemic to the cloud forests of Ecuador, growing as an epiphyte on moss-covered trees at elevations between 1,800-2,400 meters. It requires the consistently humid, cool conditions characteristic of Andean cloud forest ecosystems.

Conservation measures underway

Legislation

Other threatened species in ORCHIDACEAE

EN

Porpax angustifolia

Unknown
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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 pholeodytes classified as Critically Endangered?
Dracula pholeodytes 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 pholeodytes faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat conversion in Ecuador's cloud forests, where its extremely limited range makes it vulnerable to any disturbance. Mining activities and agricultural expansion continue to fragment the remaining montane forest patches. The species' specialized epiphytic lifestyle and narrow altitudinal requirements make it particularly susceptible to climate change impacts on cloud forest ecosystems.
Where does Dracula pholeodytes live?
Dracula pholeodytes occurs in Colombia, and Sweden. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Dracula pholeodytes?
The main threats to Dracula pholeodytes 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.

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