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Oreopanax polycephalus

Unknown

Overview

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

Oreopanax polycephalus faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching throughout its limited montane range in Central America. Deforestation for coffee plantations and pastureland has fragmented the cloud forest habitats essential for this endemic tree species. Climate change poses an additional threat by shifting the altitudinal zones where suitable moisture and temperature conditions exist for cloud forest ecosystems.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits montane cloud forests at elevations between 1,500-2,500 meters in Central America. It requires the persistent moisture and cool temperatures characteristic of these high-altitude tropical ecosystems.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Oreopanax polycephalus classified as Endangered?
Oreopanax polycephalus 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. Oreopanax polycephalus faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching throughout its limited montane range in Central America. Deforestation for coffee plantations and pastureland has fragmented the cloud forest habitats essential for this endemic tree species. Climate change poses an additional threat by shifting the altitudinal zones where suitable moisture and temperature conditions exist for cloud forest ecosystems.
Where does Oreopanax polycephalus live?
Oreopanax polycephalus 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 Oreopanax polycephalus?
The main threats to Oreopanax polycephalus 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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