CR

Elaphoglossum nilgiricum

Declining

Overview

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

Elaphoglossum nilgiricum faces severe threats from habitat destruction in the Western Ghats, where montane forests are being cleared for tea plantations, agriculture, and urban development. The species' extremely restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while climate change threatens to alter the cool, humid conditions essential for this epiphytic fern's survival. Collection pressure for the horticultural trade has further reduced wild populations of this endemic species.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic fern inhabits the montane shola forests of the Nilgiri Hills in the Western Ghats, typically growing as an epiphyte on tree trunks and branches in cool, moist conditions at elevations between 1,500-2,500 meters. It requires the specific microclimate of these ancient forest fragments, thriving in areas with consistent humidity and filtered sunlight.

Conservation measures underway

Habitat & natural process restorationSpecies recoverySpecies reintroductionEx-situ conservationLinked enterprises & livelihood alternatives

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Elaphoglossum nilgiricum classified as Critically Endangered?
Elaphoglossum nilgiricum 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. Elaphoglossum nilgiricum faces severe threats from habitat destruction in the Western Ghats, where montane forests are being cleared for tea plantations, agriculture, and urban development. The species' extremely restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while climate change threatens to alter the cool, humid conditions essential for this epiphytic fern's survival. Collection pressure for the horticultural trade has further reduced wild populations of this endemic species.
Where does Elaphoglossum nilgiricum live?
Elaphoglossum nilgiricum occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Elaphoglossum nilgiricum?
The main threats to Elaphoglossum nilgiricum are 4.1, 5.3, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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