CR

Piper gualeanum

Unknown

Overview

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

Piper gualeanum faces severe threats from rapid deforestation and agricultural expansion within its extremely limited range in Ecuador's cloud forests. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, while climate change poses additional risks by altering the specific moisture and temperature conditions required for its survival. Mining activities and infrastructure development further threaten the remaining forest patches where this endemic pepper species persists.

Threat summary

Habitat

Piper gualeanum is endemic to Ecuador's montane cloud forests, typically occurring in humid, shaded understory environments at elevations between 1,500-2,500 meters. The species requires the consistent moisture and moderate temperatures characteristic of these specialized Andean forest ecosystems.

Other threatened species in PIPERACEAE

CR

Piper subtomentosum

Declining
CR

Piper manabinum

Unknown
VU

Piper pittieri

Unknown
CR

Piper mexiae

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Piper gualeanum classified as Critically Endangered?
Piper gualeanum 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. Piper gualeanum faces severe threats from rapid deforestation and agricultural expansion within its extremely limited range in Ecuador's cloud forests. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, while climate change poses additional risks by altering the specific moisture and temperature conditions required for its survival. Mining activities and infrastructure development further threaten the remaining forest patches where this endemic pepper species persists.
Where does Piper gualeanum live?
Piper gualeanum 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 Piper gualeanum?
The main threats to Piper gualeanum 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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