VU

Clefted Masdevallia

Masdevallia caesia

Unknown

Overview

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

Masdevallia caesia faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as cloud forests across its Andean range are cleared for agriculture and cattle ranching. The species' extremely narrow altitudinal requirements make it particularly vulnerable to climate change, as warming temperatures force suitable habitat zones upslope beyond available terrain. Illegal collection for the international orchid trade compounds these pressures, with wild populations targeted for their distinctive blue-purple flowers.

Threat summary

Habitat

This epiphytic orchid inhabits cool, humid cloud forests of the Andes at elevations between 2,000-3,200 meters. It grows on moss-covered tree trunks and branches in areas with persistent fog and high humidity, requiring the specific microclimate conditions found in undisturbed montane forests.

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CR

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Unknown
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Broughtonia cubensis

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Clefted Masdevallia classified as Vulnerable?
Clefted Masdevallia 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. Masdevallia caesia faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as cloud forests across its Andean range are cleared for agriculture and cattle ranching. The species' extremely narrow altitudinal requirements make it particularly vulnerable to climate change, as warming temperatures force suitable habitat zones upslope beyond available terrain. Illegal collection for the international orchid trade compounds these pressures, with wild populations targeted for their distinctive blue-purple flowers.
Where does Clefted Masdevallia live?
Clefted Masdevallia 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 Clefted Masdevallia?
The main threats to Clefted Masdevallia 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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