Espeletia barclayana
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Espeletia barclayana faces significant pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle grazing in Colombia's páramo ecosystems, where livestock trampling and browsing directly damage individual plants and alter soil composition. Climate change poses an additional threat as rising temperatures force this high-altitude specialist to migrate upslope into increasingly limited suitable habitat. Mining activities and infrastructure development in the Cordillera Oriental further fragment the already restricted populations of this endemic frailejón.
Habitat
This species is endemic to the páramo ecosystems of Colombia's Cordillera Oriental, occurring at elevations between 3,200-4,000 meters in the high-altitude tropical alpine tundra. It grows in the characteristic wet, cold, and windy conditions of these Andean grasslands, often forming part of the distinctive frailejón communities that dominate these unique montane environments.
Other threatened species in Asteraceae
Threatened in Colombia
Frequently asked questions
Why is Espeletia barclayana classified as Vulnerable?
Where does Espeletia barclayana live?
What are the main threats to Espeletia barclayana?
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.