VU

Platylepis occulta

Declining

Overview

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

Platylepis occulta faces significant pressure from deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited range in Madagascar's eastern rainforests. The species' specialized ecological requirements make it particularly vulnerable to forest degradation from slash-and-burn agriculture and logging activities. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that could affect the humid microhabitats this orchid depends upon for survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This epiphytic orchid inhabits the humid montane and lowland rainforests of eastern Madagascar, typically growing on tree trunks and branches in shaded forest understory environments. It requires consistent moisture and stable microclimatic conditions found in intact primary forest ecosystems.

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionLegislation

Other threatened species in ORCHIDACEAE

EN

Porpax angustifolia

Unknown
EN

Polystachya longiscapa

Unknown
CR

The Lost Spathoglottis

Spathoglottis arunachalensis

Declining
VU

Disperis galerita

Declining

Threatened in Central African Republic

Humped BladderwortCR

Humped Bladderwort

Utricularia gibba

Unknown
VU

Schizachyrium delicatum

Declining
VU

Secamone letouzeana

Declining
CR

Nubian Flapshell Turtle

Cyclanorbis elegans

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Platylepis occulta classified as Vulnerable?
Platylepis occulta is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Platylepis occulta faces significant pressure from deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited range in Madagascar's eastern rainforests. The species' specialized ecological requirements make it particularly vulnerable to forest degradation from slash-and-burn agriculture and logging activities. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that could affect the humid microhabitats this orchid depends upon for survival.
Where does Platylepis occulta live?
Platylepis occulta occurs in Central African Republic, Comoros, Congo - Brazzaville, Congo - Kinshasa, Equatorial Guinea, and Madagascar (plus 5 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Platylepis occulta?
The main threats to Platylepis occulta 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.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.