Dry-Growing Mexipedium
CR

Dry-Growing Mexipedium

Mexipedium xerophyticum

Declining

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexipedium

Overview

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

Mexipedium xerophyticum faces severe threats from limestone quarrying operations that directly destroy its specialized habitat on limestone cliffs and outcrops. The species' extremely restricted range in Oaxaca, Mexico, makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat modification and collection pressure from orchid enthusiasts. Climate change poses additional risks by altering the precise moisture and temperature conditions required for this xerophytic orchid's survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This terrestrial orchid is endemic to limestone cliffs and rocky outcrops in the Sierra Madre del Sur of Oaxaca, Mexico. It grows in xerophytic conditions on vertical limestone faces and crevices, typically in areas with specific moisture retention and drainage characteristics.

Forest - Subtropical/tropical moist lowland· majorShrubland· majorRocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoverySpecies reintroductionEx-situ conservationAwareness & communicationsLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Dry-Growing Mexipedium classified as Critically Endangered?
Dry-Growing Mexipedium 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. Mexipedium xerophyticum faces severe threats from limestone quarrying operations that directly destroy its specialized habitat on limestone cliffs and outcrops. The species' extremely restricted range in Oaxaca, Mexico, makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat modification and collection pressure from orchid enthusiasts. Climate change poses additional risks by altering the precise moisture and temperature conditions required for this xerophytic orchid's survival.
Where does Dry-Growing Mexipedium live?
Dry-Growing Mexipedium occurs in Mexico. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Dry-Growing Mexipedium?
The main threats to Dry-Growing Mexipedium are 5.3, 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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