Masdevallia elephanticeps
EN

Masdevallia elephanticeps

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Masdevallia elephanticeps faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as cloud forests in its native range are cleared for agriculture and cattle ranching. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, with entire populations potentially eliminated by small-scale deforestation events. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the cool, humid conditions essential for this high-altitude orchid's survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This orchid inhabits cool, humid cloud forests at elevations between 1,800-2,400 meters in the Andes. It grows as an epiphyte on moss-covered tree branches and trunks in areas with consistent moisture and filtered sunlight.

Other threatened species in Orchidaceae

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Benthamia nigrovaginata

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Dark-red HelleborineCR

Dark-red Helleborine

Epipactis atrorubens

Unknown
CR

Broughtonia cubensis

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CR

Huntleya apiculata

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Masdevallia elephanticeps classified as Endangered?
Masdevallia elephanticeps 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 elephanticeps faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as cloud forests in its native range are cleared for agriculture and cattle ranching. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, with entire populations potentially eliminated by small-scale deforestation events. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the cool, humid conditions essential for this high-altitude orchid's survival.
Where does Masdevallia elephanticeps live?
Masdevallia elephanticeps 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 elephanticeps?
The main threats to Masdevallia elephanticeps 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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