Masdevallia caudata
EN

Masdevallia caudata

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masdevallia_caudata

Overview

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

Masdevallia caudata faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as cloud forests in its native range are cleared for agriculture and urban development. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes entire populations vulnerable to localized disturbances, while climate change threatens to shift the cool, humid conditions essential for its survival. Overcollection by orchid enthusiasts has historically depleted wild populations, though this pressure has somewhat decreased with increased cultivation.

Threat summary

Habitat

This epiphytic orchid inhabits cool, humid cloud forests at elevations between 1,500-2,500 meters in the Andean mountains. It grows on moss-covered tree branches and trunks in areas with consistent moisture and filtered sunlight.

Other threatened species in Orchidaceae

CR

Huntleya apiculata

Unknown
Masdevallia niesseniaeCR

Masdevallia niesseniae

Unknown
Lepanthes diaziaeCR

Lepanthes diaziae

Unknown
EN

Restrepia tsubotae

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Masdevallia caudata classified as Endangered?
Masdevallia caudata is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Masdevallia caudata faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as cloud forests in its native range are cleared for agriculture and urban development. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes entire populations vulnerable to localized disturbances, while climate change threatens to shift the cool, humid conditions essential for its survival. Overcollection by orchid enthusiasts has historically depleted wild populations, though this pressure has somewhat decreased with increased cultivation.
Where does Masdevallia caudata live?
Masdevallia caudata 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 Masdevallia caudata?
The main threats to Masdevallia caudata 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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