Ophiorrhiza scorpioidea
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Ophiorrhiza scorpioidea faces severe pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion across its limited range in the Western Ghats of India. The species' restriction to specific elevation zones makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, as remaining forest patches become increasingly isolated. Mining activities and infrastructure development in the region have further reduced available habitat, while climate change threatens to shift suitable conditions beyond the species' dispersal capabilities.
Habitat
This species inhabits moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests in the Western Ghats, typically occurring at mid-elevations between 400-1200 meters. It shows preference for shaded understory environments with high humidity and well-drained soils.