VU

Meriania kirkbridei

Declining

Overview

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

Meriania kirkbridei faces significant pressure from ongoing deforestation and habitat fragmentation within its restricted range in the Colombian Andes. Agricultural expansion, particularly cattle ranching and crop cultivation, continues to reduce the cloud forest ecosystems this species depends upon. The species' limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized habitat destruction and climate-induced shifts in montane forest zones.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits cloud forests and humid montane forests in the Colombian Andes, typically occurring at elevations between 1,800 and 2,800 meters. It grows in the understory and forest edges of these moist, high-altitude ecosystems where persistent cloud cover creates ideal conditions for epiphytic and terrestrial melastome species.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Meriania kirkbridei classified as Vulnerable?
Meriania kirkbridei is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Meriania kirkbridei faces significant pressure from ongoing deforestation and habitat fragmentation within its restricted range in the Colombian Andes. Agricultural expansion, particularly cattle ranching and crop cultivation, continues to reduce the cloud forest ecosystems this species depends upon. The species' limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized habitat destruction and climate-induced shifts in montane forest zones.
Where does Meriania kirkbridei live?
Meriania kirkbridei 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 kirkbridei?
The main threats to Meriania kirkbridei 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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