VU

Pleurothallis gargantua

Unknown

Overview

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

Pleurothallis gargantua faces severe pressure from deforestation and habitat conversion in Ecuador's cloud forest ecosystems. The species' extremely restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while climate change threatens to shift the narrow altitudinal zones where this orchid can survive. Agricultural expansion and infrastructure development continue to fragment the remaining suitable habitat patches.

Threat summary

Habitat

This orchid species inhabits the humid cloud forests of Ecuador, typically growing as an epiphyte on moss-covered tree branches and trunks in montane environments. It requires the consistent moisture and stable temperatures characteristic of these high-altitude tropical ecosystems.

Other threatened species in Orchidaceae

CR

Benthamia nigrovaginata

Unknown
Dark-red HelleborineCR

Dark-red Helleborine

Epipactis atrorubens

Unknown
CR

Broughtonia cubensis

Unknown
CR

Huntleya apiculata

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Pleurothallis gargantua classified as Vulnerable?
Pleurothallis gargantua 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. Pleurothallis gargantua faces severe pressure from deforestation and habitat conversion in Ecuador's cloud forest ecosystems. The species' extremely restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while climate change threatens to shift the narrow altitudinal zones where this orchid can survive. Agricultural expansion and infrastructure development continue to fragment the remaining suitable habitat patches.
Where does Pleurothallis gargantua live?
Pleurothallis gargantua 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 Pleurothallis gargantua?
The main threats to Pleurothallis gargantua 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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