EN

Meriania loxensis

Unknown

Overview

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

Meriania loxensis faces severe pressure from ongoing deforestation and agricultural expansion throughout its limited Andean range in Ecuador and Peru. The species' restriction to cloud forest fragments makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, as remaining populations become increasingly isolated. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the moisture regimes essential for cloud forest ecosystems, potentially shifting suitable habitat to higher elevations where less area is available.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic shrub inhabits montane cloud forests and humid upper montane forests between 1,800-3,200 meters elevation in the Andes. It requires the persistent moisture and fog characteristic of cloud forest ecosystems, typically growing in forest understory and edge habitats.

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 loxensis classified as Endangered?
Meriania loxensis 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 loxensis faces severe pressure from ongoing deforestation and agricultural expansion throughout its limited Andean range in Ecuador and Peru. The species' restriction to cloud forest fragments makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, as remaining populations become increasingly isolated. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the moisture regimes essential for cloud forest ecosystems, potentially shifting suitable habitat to higher elevations where less area is available.
Where does Meriania loxensis live?
Meriania loxensis 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 loxensis?
The main threats to Meriania loxensis 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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