VU

Heliconia peteriana

Unknown

Overview

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

Heliconia peteriana faces significant pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion throughout its limited range in Central America. The species' dependence on intact forest understory makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, as small forest patches cannot support viable populations of its specialized hummingbird pollinators. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering precipitation patterns essential for this moisture-dependent species.

Threat summary

Habitat

Heliconia peteriana inhabits the understory of humid lowland and montane forests, typically found at elevations between 100-1,200 meters. The species requires consistently moist conditions and partial shade, often growing along forest edges, stream banks, and in natural clearings within primary and secondary tropical forests.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Heliconia peteriana classified as Vulnerable?
Heliconia peteriana 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 peteriana faces significant pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion throughout its limited range in Central America. The species' dependence on intact forest understory makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, as small forest patches cannot support viable populations of its specialized hummingbird pollinators. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering precipitation patterns essential for this moisture-dependent species.
Where does Heliconia peteriana live?
Heliconia peteriana 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 peteriana?
The main threats to Heliconia peteriana 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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