VU

Markea epifita

Unknown

Overview

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

Markea epifita faces significant pressure from deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its Central American range, particularly affecting the cloud forest ecosystems where it grows as an epiphyte. Agricultural expansion and logging activities have reduced the availability of suitable host trees and altered the microclimate conditions essential for this species' survival. Climate change poses an additional threat by shifting the altitudinal zones where cloud forests can persist, potentially forcing populations into increasingly restricted habitat patches.

Threat summary

Habitat

Markea epifita is an epiphytic plant species that grows on trees in montane cloud forests and humid tropical forests of Central America. It typically occurs at elevations between 1,000-2,500 meters where consistent moisture and fog provide the humid conditions necessary for epiphytic growth.

Other threatened species in SOLANACEAE

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Markea epifita classified as Vulnerable?
Markea epifita 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. Markea epifita faces significant pressure from deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its Central American range, particularly affecting the cloud forest ecosystems where it grows as an epiphyte. Agricultural expansion and logging activities have reduced the availability of suitable host trees and altered the microclimate conditions essential for this species' survival. Climate change poses an additional threat by shifting the altitudinal zones where cloud forests can persist, potentially forcing populations into increasingly restricted habitat patches.
Where does Markea epifita live?
Markea epifita 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 Markea epifita?
The main threats to Markea epifita 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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