Espeletia summapacis
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Espeletia summapacis faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle grazing in Colombia's high-altitude páramo ecosystems. Climate change poses an additional threat as warming temperatures force this cold-adapted species to retreat to increasingly limited mountaintop refugia. Mining activities and infrastructure development further fragment its already restricted alpine habitat.
Habitat
This species is endemic to the high-altitude páramo ecosystems of the Colombian Andes, typically occurring between 3,200-4,200 meters elevation. It inhabits open alpine grasslands and rocky slopes where it forms characteristic rosette clusters adapted to extreme temperature fluctuations and intense UV radiation.
Other threatened species in ASTERACEAE
Threatened in Colombia
Frequently asked questions
Why is Espeletia summapacis classified as Endangered?
Where does Espeletia summapacis live?
What are the main threats to Espeletia summapacis?
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