Meriania calophylla
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.
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.