Gasteranthus atratus
CR

Gasteranthus atratus

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasteranthus_atratus

Overview

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

Gasteranthus atratus faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat fragmentation in its restricted range within Ecuador's cloud forests. Agricultural expansion and logging activities have dramatically reduced the specialized montane forest habitats this species requires. The plant's extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes and human disturbances.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits humid montane cloud forests in the Andes of Ecuador, typically growing as an epiphyte or terrestrial herb in the understory of these specialized high-altitude ecosystems. It requires the consistent moisture and stable temperatures characteristic of cloud forest environments between 1,500-2,500 meters elevation.

Other threatened species in GESNERIACEAE

EN

Gasteranthus orientandinus

Unknown
EN

Gasteranthus timidus

Unknown
EN

Gasteranthus mutabilis

Unknown
EN

Streptocarpus erubescens

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Gasteranthus atratus classified as Critically Endangered?
Gasteranthus atratus is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Gasteranthus atratus faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat fragmentation in its restricted range within Ecuador's cloud forests. Agricultural expansion and logging activities have dramatically reduced the specialized montane forest habitats this species requires. The plant's extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes and human disturbances.
Where does Gasteranthus atratus live?
Gasteranthus atratus 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 Gasteranthus atratus?
The main threats to Gasteranthus atratus 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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