Elaphoglossum muscosum
Photo: (c) Challen Willemsen, all rights reserved, uploaded by Challen Willemsen
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Elaphoglossum muscosum faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat conversion in its restricted montane cloud forest range. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while climate change poses additional risks by altering the specific moisture and temperature conditions required for cloud forest ecosystems. Agricultural expansion and infrastructure development continue to fragment the remaining suitable habitat patches.
Habitat
This epiphytic fern inhabits montane cloud forests, typically growing on tree trunks and branches in the humid, mist-shrouded canopy environment. It requires the specific microclimate conditions found in these high-elevation tropical forests, including consistent moisture, filtered light, and stable temperatures.
Other threatened species in Dryopteridaceae
Frequently asked questions
Why is Elaphoglossum muscosum classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Elaphoglossum muscosum live?
What are the main threats to Elaphoglossum muscosum?
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.