CR

Espeletia raquirensis

Unknown

Overview

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

Espeletia raquirensis faces severe threats from agricultural expansion and cattle grazing in the high-altitude páramo ecosystems of Colombia's Eastern Cordillera. Mining activities and infrastructure development have fragmented its already restricted habitat, while climate change forces this cold-adapted species to migrate upslope with diminishing suitable terrain. The species' extremely limited range and small population size make it particularly vulnerable to stochastic events and local extinctions.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic frailejón inhabits high-altitude páramo ecosystems between 3,200-3,800 meters elevation in Colombia's Eastern Cordillera. It grows in wet, boggy areas and cloud forest margins where persistent mist and cool temperatures create the specialized conditions required by these giant rosette plants.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Espeletia raquirensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Espeletia raquirensis 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. Espeletia raquirensis faces severe threats from agricultural expansion and cattle grazing in the high-altitude páramo ecosystems of Colombia's Eastern Cordillera. Mining activities and infrastructure development have fragmented its already restricted habitat, while climate change forces this cold-adapted species to migrate upslope with diminishing suitable terrain. The species' extremely limited range and small population size make it particularly vulnerable to stochastic events and local extinctions.
Where does Espeletia raquirensis live?
Espeletia raquirensis occurs in Colombia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Espeletia raquirensis?
The main threats to Espeletia raquirensis 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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