VU

Gasteranthus lateralis

Unknown

Overview

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

Gasteranthus lateralis faces significant pressure from deforestation and habitat conversion throughout its limited range in the Andean cloud forests. Agricultural expansion, particularly cattle ranching and crop cultivation, continues to fragment the specialized montane forest ecosystems this epiphytic plant requires. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the moisture regimes and temperature patterns essential for cloud forest persistence at the elevations where this species occurs.

Threat summary

Habitat

This epiphytic plant inhabits humid montane cloud forests of the Andes, typically growing on tree trunks and branches in the understory and mid-canopy levels. It requires the consistent moisture and stable temperatures characteristic of cloud forest ecosystems at elevations between 1,500-2,500 meters.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Gasteranthus lateralis classified as Vulnerable?
Gasteranthus lateralis is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Gasteranthus lateralis faces significant pressure from deforestation and habitat conversion throughout its limited range in the Andean cloud forests. Agricultural expansion, particularly cattle ranching and crop cultivation, continues to fragment the specialized montane forest ecosystems this epiphytic plant requires. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the moisture regimes and temperature patterns essential for cloud forest persistence at the elevations where this species occurs.
Where does Gasteranthus lateralis live?
Gasteranthus lateralis occurs in Colombia, Nariño, Ricaurte, Resguardo Indígena Pialapí Pueblo Viejo, Reserva Natural La Planada, Ecuador, and South America. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Gasteranthus lateralis?
The main threats to Gasteranthus lateralis 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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