VU

Geranium chimborazense

Unknown

Overview

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

Geranium chimborazense faces significant pressure from agricultural expansion and livestock grazing in the high-altitude páramo ecosystems of Ecuador. The species' restricted range on volcanic slopes makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat conversion for potato cultivation and cattle ranching. Climate change poses an additional threat as warming temperatures force alpine species to migrate upslope, potentially reducing available habitat for this high-elevation endemic.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic geranium inhabits high-altitude páramo grasslands and rocky volcanic slopes between 3,500-4,200 meters elevation in the Ecuadorian Andes. It typically grows in well-drained soils among tussock grasses and cushion plants in the harsh, wind-exposed conditions characteristic of tropical alpine environments.

Other threatened species in GERANIACEAE

CR

Geranium kauaiense

Declining
VU

Geranium kikianum

Unknown
CR

Sosonovskiy's Heron's-bill

Erodium sosnowskianum

Unknown
CR

Geranium antisanae

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Geranium chimborazense classified as Vulnerable?
Geranium chimborazense 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. Geranium chimborazense faces significant pressure from agricultural expansion and livestock grazing in the high-altitude páramo ecosystems of Ecuador. The species' restricted range on volcanic slopes makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat conversion for potato cultivation and cattle ranching. Climate change poses an additional threat as warming temperatures force alpine species to migrate upslope, potentially reducing available habitat for this high-elevation endemic.
Where does Geranium chimborazense live?
Geranium chimborazense 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 Geranium chimborazense?
The main threats to Geranium chimborazense 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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