Gasteranthus bilsaensis
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasteranthus_bilsaensis
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Gasteranthus bilsaensis faces severe pressure from deforestation and habitat fragmentation in Ecuador's coastal cloud forests. Agricultural expansion, particularly for banana and palm oil plantations, has eliminated much of its native forest habitat. The species' extremely limited range makes it highly vulnerable to localized threats, with logging and infrastructure development continuing to reduce available habitat patches.
Habitat
This endemic Ecuadorian species inhabits humid cloud forests and montane rainforests on the western slopes of the Andes. It grows as an epiphyte or terrestrial herb in the understory of primary and secondary forests at elevations between 500-1500 meters.