CR

Aiphanes pilaris

Declining

Overview

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

Aiphanes pilaris faces severe population decline primarily due to deforestation and agricultural expansion within its restricted Colombian range. The species' limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, while its slow growth rate as a palm species hampers natural recovery. Additional pressures from cattle ranching and infrastructure development continue to reduce the remaining forest patches where this endemic palm survives.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Colombian palm inhabits humid montane forests and cloud forest edges at elevations between 1,200-2,400 meters in the Cordillera Oriental. It typically grows in well-drained soils within primary and secondary forest understory, often associated with other endemic Andean flora.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Aiphanes pilaris classified as Critically Endangered?
Aiphanes pilaris 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. Aiphanes pilaris faces severe population decline primarily due to deforestation and agricultural expansion within its restricted Colombian range. The species' limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, while its slow growth rate as a palm species hampers natural recovery. Additional pressures from cattle ranching and infrastructure development continue to reduce the remaining forest patches where this endemic palm survives.
Where does Aiphanes pilaris live?
Aiphanes pilaris occurs in Colombia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Aiphanes pilaris?
The main threats to Aiphanes pilaris are 2.1, ai-1, ai-2, and ai-3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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