VU

Espeletia brassicoidea

Unknown

Overview

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

Espeletia brassicoidea faces significant 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 its already restricted alpine habitat.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits high-altitude páramo ecosystems in the Colombian Andes, typically occurring between 3,200-4,200 meters elevation in open alpine grasslands and shrublands. It grows in well-drained volcanic soils on exposed slopes and ridges where fog and frequent precipitation provide essential moisture.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Espeletia brassicoidea classified as Vulnerable?
Espeletia brassicoidea 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 brassicoidea faces significant 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 its already restricted alpine habitat.
Where does Espeletia brassicoidea live?
Espeletia brassicoidea occurs in Colombia, and Venezuela. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Espeletia brassicoidea?
The main threats to Espeletia brassicoidea 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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