Melpomene brevipes
Overview
Melpomene brevipes is an extremely rare and possibly extinct species of fern in the family Polypodiaceae. It is endemic to Ecuador. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It is threatened by habitat loss. It is estimated that there are less than 5 ferns, if they still exist.
Melpomene brevipes faces severe population decline primarily due to deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited range in the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil. Mining activities and agricultural expansion have destroyed critical cloud forest habitats where this hummingbird depends on specific epiphytic plant communities for nectar sources. The species' extremely restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized habitat destruction and climate-induced shifts in montane forest conditions.
Habitat
This species inhabits humid montane Atlantic Forest at elevations between 1,200-2,000 meters, particularly in cloud forest environments with dense epiphytic vegetation. It shows strong preference for forest edges and clearings with abundant flowering plants, especially areas with high concentrations of bromeliads and other epiphytes that provide essential nectar resources.
Other threatened species in POLYPODIACEAE
Threatened in Ecuador
Frequently asked questions
Why is Melpomene brevipes classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Melpomene brevipes live?
What are the main threats to Melpomene brevipes?
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.