CR

Pitcairnia elliptica

Declining

Overview

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

Pitcairnia elliptica faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and urban development in its restricted range. The species is particularly vulnerable to invasive plant species that compete for resources and alter the native ecosystem structure. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns that could affect the specialized microhabitats this bromeliad requires for survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

Pitcairnia elliptica inhabits specialized rocky outcrops and cliff faces in tropical montane regions, typically growing in crevices and on steep slopes where it can access adequate moisture and drainage. The species requires specific microclimatic conditions found in these elevated rocky environments within its restricted geographic range.

Forest· majorMarine coastal/supratidal· major

Frequently asked questions

Why is Pitcairnia elliptica classified as Critically Endangered?
Pitcairnia elliptica 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. Pitcairnia elliptica faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and urban development in its restricted range. The species is particularly vulnerable to invasive plant species that compete for resources and alter the native ecosystem structure. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns that could affect the specialized microhabitats this bromeliad requires for survival.
Where does Pitcairnia elliptica live?
Pitcairnia elliptica occurs in Colombia, Ecuador, and Germany. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Pitcairnia elliptica?
The main threats to Pitcairnia elliptica 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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