EN

Encyclia howardii

Unknown

Overview

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

Encyclia howardii faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as coastal development and agricultural expansion fragment its limited range in the Caribbean. The species is particularly vulnerable to hurricane damage due to its epiphytic lifestyle and restricted distribution, with major storms capable of eliminating entire populations. Overcollection by orchid enthusiasts has historically depleted wild populations, while climate change threatens to alter the specific humidity and temperature conditions this species requires.

Threat summary

Habitat

This epiphytic orchid inhabits humid coastal forests and woodland edges in the Caribbean, typically growing on tree branches and trunks in areas with consistent moisture and filtered sunlight. It favors elevations from sea level to approximately 300 meters, requiring the stable microclimatic conditions found in mature forest canopies.

Other threatened species in Orchidaceae

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Benthamia nigrovaginata

Unknown
Dark-red HelleborineCR

Dark-red Helleborine

Epipactis atrorubens

Unknown
CR

Broughtonia cubensis

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CR

Huntleya apiculata

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Encyclia howardii classified as Endangered?
Encyclia howardii is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Encyclia howardii faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as coastal development and agricultural expansion fragment its limited range in the Caribbean. The species is particularly vulnerable to hurricane damage due to its epiphytic lifestyle and restricted distribution, with major storms capable of eliminating entire populations. Overcollection by orchid enthusiasts has historically depleted wild populations, while climate change threatens to alter the specific humidity and temperature conditions this species requires.
Where does Encyclia howardii live?
Encyclia howardii 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 Encyclia howardii?
The main threats to Encyclia howardii are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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