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Masdevallia valenciae

Unknown

Overview

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

Masdevallia valenciae faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as cloud forests in its native Colombian range are cleared for agriculture and urban development. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, while climate change poses additional risks by altering the cool, humid conditions essential for its survival. Overcollection by orchid enthusiasts has historically impacted wild populations, though this threat has diminished with increased cultivation.

Threat summary

Habitat

This epiphytic orchid inhabits cool, humid cloud forests of the Colombian Andes, typically growing on moss-covered tree branches and rocks at elevations between 2,000-3,000 meters. It requires consistent moisture and filtered light conditions characteristic of these montane ecosystems.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Masdevallia valenciae classified as Endangered?
Masdevallia valenciae 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 valenciae faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as cloud forests in its native Colombian range are cleared for agriculture and urban development. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, while climate change poses additional risks by altering the cool, humid conditions essential for its survival. Overcollection by orchid enthusiasts has historically impacted wild populations, though this threat has diminished with increased cultivation.
Where does Masdevallia valenciae live?
Masdevallia valenciae 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 valenciae?
The main threats to Masdevallia valenciae 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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