Espeletia idroboi
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Espeletia idroboi faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle grazing in Colombia's páramo ecosystems, which directly destroys its specialized high-altitude habitat. Climate change poses an additional threat by shifting temperature and precipitation patterns in these fragile alpine environments, potentially forcing populations to migrate to higher elevations where suitable habitat becomes increasingly limited. Mining activities and infrastructure development further fragment the remaining páramo areas where this endemic species persists.
Habitat
Espeletia idroboi is endemic to the páramo ecosystems of Colombia's Eastern Cordillera, typically found at elevations between 3,200-4,000 meters. These high-altitude tropical alpine environments are characterized by cool temperatures, high humidity, and specialized vegetation adapted to extreme conditions.