Metaxya rostrata
CR

Metaxya rostrata

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaxya_rostrata

Overview

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

Metaxya rostrata faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited range in Central and South American cloud forests. The species' specialized requirements for humid, high-altitude forest environments make it particularly vulnerable to climate change-induced shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns. Agricultural expansion and infrastructure development continue to reduce and isolate remaining forest patches, while the fern's slow reproductive rate limits its ability to recolonize disturbed areas.

Threat summary

Habitat

Metaxya rostrata inhabits humid montane cloud forests at elevations between 1,200-2,400 meters, typically growing in shaded understory environments with consistent moisture and high humidity. The species requires well-drained but perpetually moist soils and is often found along stream banks and in forest gaps where filtered sunlight penetrates the canopy.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Metaxya rostrata classified as Critically Endangered?
Metaxya rostrata is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Metaxya rostrata faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited range in Central and South American cloud forests. The species' specialized requirements for humid, high-altitude forest environments make it particularly vulnerable to climate change-induced shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns. Agricultural expansion and infrastructure development continue to reduce and isolate remaining forest patches, while the fern's slow reproductive rate limits its ability to recolonize disturbed areas.
Where does Metaxya rostrata live?
Metaxya rostrata 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 Metaxya rostrata?
The main threats to Metaxya rostrata 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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