EN

Espeletia tunjana

Unknown

Overview

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

Espeletia tunjana faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle grazing in Colombia's Eastern Cordillera páramo ecosystems. Mining activities and infrastructure development have fragmented its already restricted high-altitude habitat. Climate change poses an additional threat as warming temperatures force páramo species to migrate upslope, with limited suitable habitat available at higher elevations.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic frailejón inhabits high-altitude páramo ecosystems between 3,200-4,000 meters elevation in Colombia's Eastern Cordillera. It grows in open, humid grasslands and shrublands characterized by constant mist, low temperatures, and specialized soils typical of Andean páramo environments.

Grassland· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Espeletia tunjana classified as Endangered?
Espeletia tunjana is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Espeletia tunjana faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle grazing in Colombia's Eastern Cordillera páramo ecosystems. Mining activities and infrastructure development have fragmented its already restricted high-altitude habitat. Climate change poses an additional threat as warming temperatures force páramo species to migrate upslope, with limited suitable habitat available at higher elevations.
Where does Espeletia tunjana live?
Espeletia tunjana occurs in Colombia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Espeletia tunjana?
The main threats to Espeletia tunjana 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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