VU

Markea spruceana

Unknown

Overview

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

Markea spruceana faces significant pressure from deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its Amazonian range, particularly due to agricultural expansion and logging activities. The species' dependence on intact forest canopy makes it especially vulnerable to forest degradation, while its limited dispersal ability restricts recolonization of cleared areas. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that could affect the humid conditions this epiphytic species requires.

Threat summary

Habitat

Markea spruceana inhabits the upper canopy of primary and secondary lowland rainforests throughout the Amazon Basin, typically growing as an epiphyte on large trees. The species requires high humidity levels and consistent moisture, thriving in the complex three-dimensional structure of mature tropical forests between 100-800 meters elevation.

Other threatened species in SOLANACEAE

VU

Schwenckia trujilloi

Stable
VU

Solanum reitzii

Unknown
CR

Withania chevalieri

Unknown
VU

Solandra nizandensis

Unknown

Threatened in Ecuador

EN

Puya fastuosa

Unknown
VU

Diospyros esmereg

Declining
VU

Copper Shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus

Declining
EN

Baird's Tapir

Tapirus bairdii

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Markea spruceana classified as Vulnerable?
Markea spruceana 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 spruceana faces significant pressure from deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its Amazonian range, particularly due to agricultural expansion and logging activities. The species' dependence on intact forest canopy makes it especially vulnerable to forest degradation, while its limited dispersal ability restricts recolonization of cleared areas. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that could affect the humid conditions this epiphytic species requires.
Where does Markea spruceana live?
Markea spruceana occurs in Ecuador, and Nariño. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Markea spruceana?
The main threats to Markea spruceana 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.