EN

Huperzia loxensis

Declining

Overview

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

Huperzia loxensis faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as cloud forests in the Ecuadorian Andes are cleared for agriculture and urban development. The species' extremely restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while climate change threatens to shift the narrow altitudinal zones where suitable moisture and temperature conditions exist. Mining activities and infrastructure development in montane regions pose additional risks to remaining populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

This clubmoss is endemic to cloud forests of the Ecuadorian Andes, typically growing as an epiphyte on moss-covered tree trunks and branches in humid montane environments between 2,000-3,500 meters elevation. It requires the persistent moisture and stable temperatures characteristic of these fog-shrouded ecosystems.

Forest· majorGrassland· major

Frequently asked questions

Why is Huperzia loxensis classified as Endangered?
Huperzia loxensis is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Huperzia loxensis faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as cloud forests in the Ecuadorian Andes are cleared for agriculture and urban development. The species' extremely restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while climate change threatens to shift the narrow altitudinal zones where suitable moisture and temperature conditions exist. Mining activities and infrastructure development in montane regions pose additional risks to remaining populations.
Where does Huperzia loxensis live?
Huperzia loxensis occurs in Ecuador. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Huperzia loxensis?
The main threats to Huperzia loxensis 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.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.