Espeletia oswaldiana
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Espeletia oswaldiana faces severe threats from agricultural expansion and cattle grazing in Colombia's páramo ecosystems, which directly destroy its specialized high-altitude habitat. Climate change poses an additional critical threat, as rising temperatures force this cold-adapted species to retreat to increasingly limited mountaintop refugia. Mining activities and infrastructure development further fragment the remaining populations of this endemic frailejón.
Habitat
This endemic frailejón inhabits the high-altitude páramo ecosystems of Colombia's Eastern Cordillera, typically occurring between 3,200-4,000 meters elevation. It grows in the characteristic wet, cold, and misty conditions of these Andean alpine grasslands, often forming part of the distinctive rosette plant communities that define páramo vegetation.
Other threatened species in ASTERACEAE
Threatened in Colombia
Frequently asked questions
Why is Espeletia oswaldiana classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Espeletia oswaldiana live?
What are the main threats to Espeletia oswaldiana?
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