VU

Masdevallia virgo-cuencae

Unknown

Overview

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

Masdevallia virgo-cuencae faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as cloud forests in its limited Ecuadorian range are cleared for agriculture and cattle ranching. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes entire populations vulnerable to localized disturbances, while climate change threatens to shift the cool, humid conditions essential for this high-altitude orchid's survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This orchid is endemic to the cloud forests of the Ecuadorian Andes, typically growing as an epiphyte on moss-covered trees in cool, humid montane environments between 2,000-3,000 meters elevation. It requires the persistent mist and stable temperatures characteristic of these high-altitude cloud forest ecosystems.

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 virgo-cuencae classified as Vulnerable?
Masdevallia virgo-cuencae 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 virgo-cuencae faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as cloud forests in its limited Ecuadorian range are cleared for agriculture and cattle ranching. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes entire populations vulnerable to localized disturbances, while climate change threatens to shift the cool, humid conditions essential for this high-altitude orchid's survival.
Where does Masdevallia virgo-cuencae live?
Masdevallia virgo-cuencae 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 virgo-cuencae?
The main threats to Masdevallia virgo-cuencae 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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