EN

Meriania costata

Unknown

Overview

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

Meriania costata 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 costata is endemic to cloud forests of the tropical Andes, typically occurring at elevations between 1,500-2,500 meters where persistent fog and high humidity create ideal conditions for epiphytic growth. The species thrives in the understory and forest edges of these montane ecosystems, which are characterized by dense vegetation and year-round moisture.

Other threatened species in MELASTOMATACEAE

VU

Brachyotum angustifolium

Unknown
CR

Blakea steyermarkii

Declining
VU

Gravesia pulchra

Declining
VU

Blakea calycularis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Meriania costata classified as Endangered?
Meriania costata 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 costata 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 costata live?
Meriania costata 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 costata?
The main threats to Meriania costata 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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