VU

Ocotea sulcata

Declining

Overview

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

Ocotea sulcata faces severe pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion across its limited range in Central American cloud forests. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, while selective logging targets mature trees of the Lauraceae family for timber. Climate change poses an additional threat as rising temperatures force cloud forest zones to higher elevations, potentially eliminating suitable habitat for this moisture-dependent species.

Threat summary

Habitat

Ocotea sulcata inhabits montane cloud forests at elevations between 1,200-2,400 meters, where persistent fog and high humidity create ideal conditions for this moisture-dependent tree species. The species typically grows in primary and well-preserved secondary forests with rich, well-drained soils and dense canopy cover.

Other threatened species in LAURACEAE

CR

Cryptocarya subtrinervis

Unknown
EN

Steyermark Pleurothyrium

Pleurothyrium steyermarkianum

Declining
CR

Cryptocarya pergamentacea

Unknown
CR

Mespilodaphne paradoxa

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Ocotea sulcata classified as Vulnerable?
Ocotea sulcata is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Ocotea sulcata faces severe pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion across its limited range in Central American cloud forests. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, while selective logging targets mature trees of the Lauraceae family for timber. Climate change poses an additional threat as rising temperatures force cloud forest zones to higher elevations, potentially eliminating suitable habitat for this moisture-dependent species.
Where does Ocotea sulcata live?
Ocotea sulcata 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 Ocotea sulcata?
The main threats to Ocotea sulcata 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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