Miconia espinosae
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Miconia espinosae faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching activities that have fragmented and destroyed much of its native cloud forest habitat. The species' restricted range in the Ecuadorian Andes makes it particularly vulnerable to localized habitat conversion, while climate change poses additional risks by altering the specific temperature and moisture conditions required for its survival in montane ecosystems.
Habitat
This endemic shrub inhabits cloud forests and humid montane forests in the Ecuadorian Andes, typically occurring at elevations between 1,800-2,800 meters. It requires the specific microclimate conditions found in these mist-shrouded environments, including consistent moisture levels and moderate temperatures.