CR

Hymenophyllum turquinense

Unknown

Overview

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

Hymenophyllum turquinense faces severe threats from habitat destruction in Cuba's montane cloud forests, where deforestation and agricultural expansion have eliminated much of its specialized epiphytic habitat. Climate change poses an additional critical threat, as rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns disrupt the delicate moisture balance essential for this filmy fern's survival. The species' extremely restricted range on Pico Turquino makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes and human disturbances.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Cuban fern inhabits the humid montane cloud forests of the Sierra Maestra, specifically around Pico Turquino, where it grows as an epiphyte on tree trunks and branches in areas of persistent moisture and fog. The species requires the specialized microclimate conditions found in these high-elevation tropical montane forests, typically above 1,500 meters elevation.

Other threatened species in Hymenophyllaceae

CR

Hymenophyllum hirtellum

Unknown
CR

Hymenophyllum elegans

Unknown
VU

sidesaddle bristle fern

Didymoglossum pusillum

Unknown
parchment bristle fernCR

parchment bristle fern

Didymoglossum hymenoides

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Hymenophyllum turquinense classified as Critically Endangered?
Hymenophyllum turquinense is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Hymenophyllum turquinense faces severe threats from habitat destruction in Cuba's montane cloud forests, where deforestation and agricultural expansion have eliminated much of its specialized epiphytic habitat. Climate change poses an additional critical threat, as rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns disrupt the delicate moisture balance essential for this filmy fern's survival. The species' extremely restricted range on Pico Turquino makes it particularly vulnerable to localized environmental changes and human disturbances.
Where does Hymenophyllum turquinense live?
Hymenophyllum turquinense 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 Hymenophyllum turquinense?
The main threats to Hymenophyllum turquinense 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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