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Pilea tungurahuae

Unknown

Overview

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

Pilea tungurahuae faces severe pressure from ongoing deforestation and agricultural expansion within its limited Andean range in Ecuador. The species' restriction to cloud forest habitats makes it particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts, as rising temperatures push suitable conditions to higher elevations. Mining activities and infrastructure development in the Tungurahua region pose additional localized threats to remaining populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic nettle inhabits montane cloud forests and humid Andean slopes between 2,000-3,500 meters elevation in Ecuador's Tungurahua province. It typically grows in shaded understory environments with high humidity and consistent moisture from cloud cover.

Other threatened species in URTICACEAE

VU

Urera cuneata

Declining
CR

Haroldiella sykesii

Unknown
CR

Pipturus tooviianus

Declining
CR

Neraudia kauaiensis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Pilea tungurahuae classified as Endangered?
Pilea tungurahuae 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. Pilea tungurahuae faces severe pressure from ongoing deforestation and agricultural expansion within its limited Andean range in Ecuador. The species' restriction to cloud forest habitats makes it particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts, as rising temperatures push suitable conditions to higher elevations. Mining activities and infrastructure development in the Tungurahua region pose additional localized threats to remaining populations.
Where does Pilea tungurahuae live?
Pilea tungurahuae 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 Pilea tungurahuae?
The main threats to Pilea tungurahuae 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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