Ophiorrhiza nelsonii
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Ophiorrhiza nelsonii faces severe pressure from deforestation and habitat conversion in its limited range within the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats such as agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, and collection pressure for traditional medicinal uses. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the specific microhabitat conditions this endemic species requires in montane forest ecosystems.
Habitat
This endemic species inhabits the understory of moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests in the Western Ghats of India, typically occurring at elevations between 800-1500 meters. It thrives in shaded forest floor environments with high humidity and rich organic soil layers characteristic of montane tropical ecosystems.