VU

Gunnera aequatoriensis

Unknown

Overview

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

Gunnera aequatoriensis faces significant pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching in Ecuador's montane regions, which directly destroys its specialized wetland habitats. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering precipitation patterns and temperature regimes in the high-altitude páramo ecosystems where this species occurs. The limited geographic range makes the species particularly vulnerable to localized habitat disturbances and environmental changes.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits high-altitude páramo wetlands and boggy areas in the Ecuadorian Andes, typically occurring in permanently moist soils near streams and seepage areas. It grows in specialized montane ecosystems characterized by cool temperatures, high humidity, and consistent moisture availability.

Other threatened species in GUNNERACEAE

EN

Gunnera kauaiensis

Declining
EN

Gunnera talamancana

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Gunnera aequatoriensis classified as Vulnerable?
Gunnera aequatoriensis 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. Gunnera aequatoriensis faces significant pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching in Ecuador's montane regions, which directly destroys its specialized wetland habitats. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering precipitation patterns and temperature regimes in the high-altitude páramo ecosystems where this species occurs. The limited geographic range makes the species particularly vulnerable to localized habitat disturbances and environmental changes.
Where does Gunnera aequatoriensis live?
Gunnera aequatoriensis 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 Gunnera aequatoriensis?
The main threats to Gunnera aequatoriensis 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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