Masdevallia zapatae
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Masdevallia zapatae faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as cloud forests in its native Colombian range are cleared for agriculture and cattle ranching. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, with mining activities and infrastructure development fragmenting remaining forest patches. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the cool, humid conditions essential for this high-altitude orchid's survival.
Habitat
This orchid is endemic to the cloud forests of Colombia's Eastern Cordillera, typically growing as an epiphyte on moss-covered branches in cool, humid montane environments between 2,000-3,000 meters elevation. It requires the consistent moisture and filtered light conditions found in these high-altitude cloud forest ecosystems.
Other threatened species in Orchidaceae
Frequently asked questions
Why is Masdevallia zapatae classified as Endangered?
Where does Masdevallia zapatae live?
What are the main threats to Masdevallia zapatae?
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