EN

Meriania cuneifolia

Declining

Overview

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

Meriania cuneifolia faces severe pressure from ongoing deforestation and agricultural expansion throughout its limited Andean range. The species' restriction to specific elevational zones makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, as remaining forest patches become increasingly isolated. Climate change poses an additional threat by potentially shifting suitable habitat zones upslope, reducing available area for this endemic shrub.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic shrub inhabits cloud forests and montane forests in the Andes, typically occurring at elevations between 1,800 and 3,200 meters. It grows in humid, moss-rich environments along forest edges and in secondary growth areas within its specialized elevational niche.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Meriania cuneifolia classified as Endangered?
Meriania cuneifolia 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 cuneifolia faces severe pressure from ongoing deforestation and agricultural expansion throughout its limited Andean range. The species' restriction to specific elevational zones makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, as remaining forest patches become increasingly isolated. Climate change poses an additional threat by potentially shifting suitable habitat zones upslope, reducing available area for this endemic shrub.
Where does Meriania cuneifolia live?
Meriania cuneifolia occurs in Ecuador. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Meriania cuneifolia?
The main threats to Meriania cuneifolia 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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