EN

Monteverdia horrida

Declining

Overview

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

Monteverdia horrida faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching throughout its limited range in Central America's cloud forests. Deforestation for coffee plantations and pastureland has fragmented its habitat into isolated patches, while climate change threatens to shift the narrow altitudinal zones where this endemic shrub can survive. The species' slow growth rate and specialized pollination requirements make recovery particularly challenging once populations decline.

Threat summary

Habitat

Monteverdia horrida inhabits montane cloud forests and humid premontane forests at elevations between 1,200-2,400 meters. The species requires consistently moist conditions and partial shade, typically growing in the understory of primary and well-developed secondary forests with persistent cloud cover.

Conservation measures underway

Ex-situ conservation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Monteverdia horrida classified as Endangered?
Monteverdia horrida 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. Monteverdia horrida faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching throughout its limited range in Central America's cloud forests. Deforestation for coffee plantations and pastureland has fragmented its habitat into isolated patches, while climate change threatens to shift the narrow altitudinal zones where this endemic shrub can survive. The species' slow growth rate and specialized pollination requirements make recovery particularly challenging once populations decline.
Where does Monteverdia horrida live?
Monteverdia horrida 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 Monteverdia horrida?
The main threats to Monteverdia horrida 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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