VU

Meriania pichinchensis

Unknown

Overview

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

Meriania pichinchensis 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

This species is endemic to cloud forests of the Ecuadorian Andes, typically occurring at elevations between 1,800-2,800 meters. It inhabits the understory and edges of montane cloud forests where persistent moisture and fog create the humid microclimate conditions essential for its survival.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical moist montane· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Meriania pichinchensis classified as Vulnerable?
Meriania pichinchensis 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 pichinchensis 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 pichinchensis live?
Meriania pichinchensis 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 pichinchensis?
The main threats to Meriania pichinchensis 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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