Ocotea estrellensis
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Ocotea estrellensis faces severe pressure from deforestation and habitat fragmentation within its restricted range in Costa Rica's montane forests. Agricultural expansion and urban development have significantly reduced the species' available habitat, while selective logging targets mature trees of this valuable timber species. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the specific temperature and moisture conditions required by this endemic tree in its high-elevation refugia.
Habitat
This endemic Costa Rican tree inhabits montane cloud forests and wet premontane forests at elevations between 1,200 and 2,400 meters. It requires the specific microclimate conditions found in these high-elevation tropical forests, including consistent moisture from cloud cover and stable temperatures.