CR

Elaphoglossum stigmatolepis

Declining

Overview

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

Elaphoglossum stigmatolepis 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 moisture-dependent conditions essential for cloud forest ecosystems. Agricultural expansion and infrastructure development continue to fragment the remaining suitable habitat.

Threat summary

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 consistent moisture and stable microclimatic conditions characteristic of these specialized high-elevation tropical ecosystems.

Forest· majorMarine neritic· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionResource & habitat protectionHabitat & natural process restorationSpecies managementSpecies recovery

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Elaphoglossum stigmatolepis classified as Critically Endangered?
Elaphoglossum stigmatolepis 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 stigmatolepis 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 moisture-dependent conditions essential for cloud forest ecosystems. Agricultural expansion and infrastructure development continue to fragment the remaining suitable habitat.
Where does Elaphoglossum stigmatolepis live?
Elaphoglossum stigmatolepis occurs in India. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Elaphoglossum stigmatolepis?
The main threats to Elaphoglossum stigmatolepis are 1.1, 11.1, 2.1, and 4.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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