VU

Espeletia tapirophila

Unknown

Overview

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

Espeletia tapirophila faces significant pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle grazing in its high-altitude páramo habitat. Climate change poses an additional threat as warming temperatures force this cold-adapted species to retreat to increasingly limited suitable elevations. Mining activities and infrastructure development in the Colombian Andes further fragment its already restricted range.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits high-altitude páramo ecosystems in the Colombian Andes, typically found between 3,000-4,200 meters elevation. It grows in open, cold, and humid montane grasslands characterized by frequent fog, low temperatures, and specialized soils.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Espeletia tapirophila classified as Vulnerable?
Espeletia tapirophila 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 tapirophila faces significant pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle grazing in its high-altitude páramo habitat. Climate change poses an additional threat as warming temperatures force this cold-adapted species to retreat to increasingly limited suitable elevations. Mining activities and infrastructure development in the Colombian Andes further fragment its already restricted range.
Where does Espeletia tapirophila live?
Espeletia tapirophila 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 Espeletia tapirophila?
The main threats to Espeletia tapirophila 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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