VU

Heliconia episcopalis

Unknown

Overview

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

Heliconia episcopalis faces severe pressure from rapid deforestation across its limited range in the northern Andes, where cloud forest habitats are being cleared for agriculture and cattle ranching. The species' specialized pollination requirements with hummingbirds make it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, as isolated populations may lack sufficient pollinators for reproduction. Climate change poses an additional threat by shifting the altitudinal zones where suitable cloud forest conditions exist, potentially forcing populations beyond their adaptive capacity.

Threat summary

Habitat

Heliconia episcopalis inhabits humid montane cloud forests and forest edges at elevations between 1,200-2,400 meters in the northern Andes. The species requires the consistent moisture and filtered light conditions typical of these misty highland forests, often growing in clearings and along streams where its large inflorescences can attract hummingbird pollinators.

FRESHWATER· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Heliconiaceae

VU

False Bird of Paradise

Heliconia platystachys

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Heliconia episcopalis classified as Vulnerable?
Heliconia episcopalis 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. Heliconia episcopalis faces severe pressure from rapid deforestation across its limited range in the northern Andes, where cloud forest habitats are being cleared for agriculture and cattle ranching. The species' specialized pollination requirements with hummingbirds make it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, as isolated populations may lack sufficient pollinators for reproduction. Climate change poses an additional threat by shifting the altitudinal zones where suitable cloud forest conditions exist, potentially forcing populations beyond their adaptive capacity.
Where does Heliconia episcopalis live?
Heliconia episcopalis 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 Heliconia episcopalis?
The main threats to Heliconia episcopalis 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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