Miltoniopsis phalaenopsis
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Miltoniopsis phalaenopsis faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as Colombia's cloud forests are cleared for agriculture and urban development. The species' extremely restricted range in the Cordillera Oriental makes entire populations vulnerable to localized deforestation events. Overcollection by orchid enthusiasts has historically depleted wild populations, while climate change threatens to shift the narrow temperature and humidity ranges this epiphytic orchid requires for survival.
Habitat
This epiphytic orchid inhabits the cloud forests of Colombia's Cordillera Oriental at elevations between 1,800-2,400 meters. It grows on moss-covered tree trunks and branches in areas with consistent high humidity and cool temperatures typical of montane cloud forest ecosystems.
Other threatened species in Orchidaceae
Threatened in Colombia
Frequently asked questions
Why is Miltoniopsis phalaenopsis classified as Vulnerable?
Where does Miltoniopsis phalaenopsis live?
What are the main threats to Miltoniopsis phalaenopsis?
Get weekly conservation intelligence
One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.
Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.