Leandra pastazana
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Leandra pastazana faces primary threats from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching in Ecuador's montane regions, which directly destroys its cloud forest habitat. Deforestation for pastureland and crop cultivation has fragmented remaining populations, while road construction and infrastructure development continue to reduce available habitat. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the moisture regimes essential for cloud forest ecosystems where this species depends.
Habitat
Leandra pastazana is endemic to the cloud forests of the Ecuadorian Andes, typically found at elevations between 1,800-2,500 meters. It inhabits the understory of humid montane forests where consistent moisture from cloud cover creates the specific microclimate conditions this species requires.