Fischer's Phragmipedium
CR

Fischer's Phragmipedium

Phragmipedium fischeri

Declining

Photo: Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

Overview

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

Phragmipedium fischeri faces severe pressure from illegal collection for the international orchid trade, with its striking flowers making it highly sought after by collectors. Habitat destruction through deforestation and agricultural expansion in its limited Ecuadorian range has further reduced available growing sites. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, while climate change may alter the specific moisture and temperature conditions required for its survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This terrestrial orchid inhabits cloud forests and montane rainforests on the eastern slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes, typically growing in humid, shaded conditions with consistent moisture levels. It occurs at elevations between 1,200-2,000 meters in areas with high humidity and filtered sunlight beneath the forest canopy.

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionResource & habitat protectionSpecies recoverySpecies reintroductionEx-situ conservationAwareness & communicationsLegislationLinked enterprises & livelihood alternatives

Other threatened species in ORCHIDACEAE

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Porpax angustifolia

Unknown
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Polystachya longiscapa

Unknown
CR

The Lost Spathoglottis

Spathoglottis arunachalensis

Declining
VU

Disperis galerita

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Helena's Marsupial Frog

Gastrotheca helenae

Stable
VU

Cavendishia macrocephala

Unknown
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Cavendishia sessiliflora

Unknown
VU

Macleania crassa

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Fischer's Phragmipedium classified as Critically Endangered?
Fischer's Phragmipedium 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. Phragmipedium fischeri faces severe pressure from illegal collection for the international orchid trade, with its striking flowers making it highly sought after by collectors. Habitat destruction through deforestation and agricultural expansion in its limited Ecuadorian range has further reduced available growing sites. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, while climate change may alter the specific moisture and temperature conditions required for its survival.
Where does Fischer's Phragmipedium live?
Fischer's Phragmipedium occurs in Colombia, and Ecuador. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Fischer's Phragmipedium?
The main threats to Fischer's Phragmipedium are 5.3, 5.4, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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