CR

Euphorbia quitensis

Unknown

Overview

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

Euphorbia quitensis faces severe threats from urban expansion and agricultural conversion in its extremely limited range around Quito, Ecuador. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, while collection pressure for horticultural trade poses an additional risk to remaining populations. Climate change may further stress this high-altitude endemic through altered precipitation patterns and temperature shifts.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species is endemic to the high-altitude valleys and slopes around Quito, Ecuador, typically occurring in dry montane scrubland and rocky outcrops between 2,800-3,200 meters elevation. It grows in well-drained volcanic soils characteristic of the inter-Andean valleys, often on steep slopes with sparse vegetation cover.

Other threatened species in EUPHORBIACEAE

CR

Paracroton sterrhopodus

Unknown
EN

Bernardia mollis

Declining
EN

Bernardia oblanceolata

Declining
VU

Mallotus macularis

Stable

Frequently asked questions

Why is Euphorbia quitensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Euphorbia quitensis 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. Euphorbia quitensis faces severe threats from urban expansion and agricultural conversion in its extremely limited range around Quito, Ecuador. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, while collection pressure for horticultural trade poses an additional risk to remaining populations. Climate change may further stress this high-altitude endemic through altered precipitation patterns and temperature shifts.
Where does Euphorbia quitensis live?
Euphorbia quitensis 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 Euphorbia quitensis?
The main threats to Euphorbia quitensis 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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