EN

Ophiorrhiza nelsonii

Unknown

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.

Threat summary

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.

Other threatened species in RUBIACEAE

EN

Arachnothryx tacanensis

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CR

Arachnothryx tenorioi

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Aidia abeidii

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EN

Arachnothryx tuxtlensis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Ophiorrhiza nelsonii classified as Endangered?
Ophiorrhiza nelsonii 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. 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.
Where does Ophiorrhiza nelsonii live?
Ophiorrhiza nelsonii 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 Ophiorrhiza nelsonii?
The main threats to Ophiorrhiza nelsonii 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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