Paspalum azuayense
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Paspalum azuayense faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching in Ecuador's Azuay Province, where its montane grassland habitat is being converted for livestock grazing. The species' extremely restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized habitat destruction, while climate change threatens to shift suitable growing conditions to higher elevations where suitable habitat may not exist.
Habitat
This endemic grass species inhabits montane grasslands and páramo ecosystems in the Andean highlands of Ecuador's Azuay Province, typically growing at elevations between 3,000-4,000 meters. It occurs in open, humid grassland areas with well-drained soils characteristic of high-altitude tropical alpine zones.