CR

Phoradendron aequatoris

Unknown

Overview

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

Phoradendron aequatoris faces severe threats from rapid deforestation and habitat conversion in Ecuador's coastal and Andean regions. The species' parasitic lifestyle makes it entirely dependent on specific host trees, creating a cascading vulnerability when these hosts are removed through logging or agricultural expansion. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns essential for the mistletoe's reproductive cycle and host tree health.

Threat summary

Habitat

This parasitic mistletoe inhabits humid montane forests and cloud forests of Ecuador, growing as an epiphyte on various native tree species at elevations between 1,500-3,000 meters. The species requires specific host trees and thrives in areas with consistent moisture and moderate temperatures typical of Andean cloud forest ecosystems.

Other threatened species in SANTALACEAE

VU

Okoubaka michelsonii

Unknown
EN

Santalum haleakalae

Declining
VU

Coastal Bastard Toad-flax

Thesium maritimum

Stable
Exocarpos luteolusCR

Exocarpos luteolus

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Phoradendron aequatoris classified as Critically Endangered?
Phoradendron aequatoris is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Phoradendron aequatoris faces severe threats from rapid deforestation and habitat conversion in Ecuador's coastal and Andean regions. The species' parasitic lifestyle makes it entirely dependent on specific host trees, creating a cascading vulnerability when these hosts are removed through logging or agricultural expansion. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns essential for the mistletoe's reproductive cycle and host tree health.
Where does Phoradendron aequatoris live?
Phoradendron aequatoris 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 Phoradendron aequatoris?
The main threats to Phoradendron aequatoris 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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