EN

Meriania calophylla

Declining

Overview

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

Meriania calophylla faces severe pressure from ongoing deforestation and agricultural expansion throughout its limited Andean range. The species' restriction to cloud forest ecosystems makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, as these specialized environments are increasingly converted to cattle pasture and crop cultivation. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the moisture regimes essential for cloud forest persistence, potentially forcing populations to higher elevations where suitable habitat becomes increasingly scarce.

Threat summary

Habitat

Meriania calophylla is endemic to cloud forests of the tropical Andes, typically occurring at elevations between 1,800-2,800 meters. These specialized ecosystems are characterized by persistent fog cover, high humidity, and epiphyte-rich vegetation that provides the specific microclimate conditions this species requires.

Other threatened species in MELASTOMATACEAE

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Brachyotum angustifolium

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Blakea steyermarkii

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Gravesia pulchra

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Blakea calycularis

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Meriania calophylla classified as Endangered?
Meriania calophylla 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. Meriania calophylla faces severe pressure from ongoing deforestation and agricultural expansion throughout its limited Andean range. The species' restriction to cloud forest ecosystems makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, as these specialized environments are increasingly converted to cattle pasture and crop cultivation. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the moisture regimes essential for cloud forest persistence, potentially forcing populations to higher elevations where suitable habitat becomes increasingly scarce.
Where does Meriania calophylla live?
Meriania calophylla 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 Meriania calophylla?
The main threats to Meriania calophylla 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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