Encyclia kingsii
CR

Encyclia kingsii

Declining

Photo: (c) Nick Johnson, all rights reserved, uploaded by Nick Johnson

Overview

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

Encyclia kingsii faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from urban development and agricultural expansion across its limited range in the Caribbean. The species is particularly vulnerable to overcollection by orchid enthusiasts, as its striking flowers make it highly sought after in the horticultural trade. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased hurricane intensity, which can devastate the epiphytic populations that depend on specific host trees and microclimatic conditions.

Threat summary

Habitat

This epiphytic orchid inhabits humid tropical forests and woodland areas, typically growing on tree trunks and branches in the canopy and understory. It occurs primarily in montane and submontane forests where consistent moisture levels and filtered sunlight create optimal growing conditions.

Conservation measures underway

Species recoveryEx-situ conservationAwareness & communicationsLegislationCompliance and enforcement

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Encyclia kingsii classified as Critically Endangered?
Encyclia kingsii 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. Encyclia kingsii faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from urban development and agricultural expansion across its limited range in the Caribbean. The species is particularly vulnerable to overcollection by orchid enthusiasts, as its striking flowers make it highly sought after in the horticultural trade. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased hurricane intensity, which can devastate the epiphytic populations that depend on specific host trees and microclimatic conditions.
Where does Encyclia kingsii live?
Encyclia kingsii occurs in Cayman Islands. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Encyclia kingsii?
The main threats to Encyclia kingsii are 1.1, 1.3, 5.4, and 6.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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