VU

Masdevallia velella

Unknown

Overview

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

Masdevallia velella 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

Benthamia nigrovaginata

Unknown
Dark-red HelleborineCR

Dark-red Helleborine

Epipactis atrorubens

Unknown
CR

Broughtonia cubensis

Unknown
CR

Huntleya apiculata

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Masdevallia velella classified as Vulnerable?
Masdevallia velella 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 velella 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 velella live?
Masdevallia velella 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 velella?
The main threats to Masdevallia velella 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.