VU

Espeletia pycnophylla

Unknown

Overview

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

Espeletia pycnophylla faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle grazing in Colombia's páramo ecosystems, where livestock trampling damages the slow-growing rosettes and compacts soils. Climate change poses an additional threat as rising temperatures force this high-altitude specialist toward increasingly limited mountaintop refugia. Mining activities and infrastructure development further fragment the already restricted páramo habitat where this endemic frailejón survives.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic frailejón inhabits high-altitude páramo ecosystems in the Colombian Andes, typically occurring between 3,200-4,200 meters elevation. It grows in open, humid montane grasslands characterized by volcanic soils, frequent fog, and extreme temperature fluctuations.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Espeletia pycnophylla classified as Vulnerable?
Espeletia pycnophylla is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Espeletia pycnophylla faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle grazing in Colombia's páramo ecosystems, where livestock trampling damages the slow-growing rosettes and compacts soils. Climate change poses an additional threat as rising temperatures force this high-altitude specialist toward increasingly limited mountaintop refugia. Mining activities and infrastructure development further fragment the already restricted páramo habitat where this endemic frailejón survives.
Where does Espeletia pycnophylla live?
Espeletia pycnophylla 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 Espeletia pycnophylla?
The main threats to Espeletia pycnophylla 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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