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Polylepis pacensis

Declining

Overview

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

Polylepis pacensis faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and livestock grazing in Bolivia's high-altitude regions, where farmers convert native Polylepis woodlands to cropland and pasture. Charcoal production and fuelwood collection have further fragmented the remaining forest patches, while climate change threatens to shift suitable habitat zones upward beyond the species' elevational limits.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic tree species inhabits high-altitude Polylepis woodlands in the Bolivian Andes, typically growing between 3,500-4,200 meters elevation in montane cloud forest conditions. It forms part of the distinctive Polylepis forest ecosystem that represents some of the world's highest-elevation tree communities.

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionEx-situ conservation

Frequently asked questions

Why is Polylepis pacensis classified as Endangered?
Polylepis pacensis 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. Polylepis pacensis faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and livestock grazing in Bolivia's high-altitude regions, where farmers convert native Polylepis woodlands to cropland and pasture. Charcoal production and fuelwood collection have further fragmented the remaining forest patches, while climate change threatens to shift suitable habitat zones upward beyond the species' elevational limits.
Where does Polylepis pacensis live?
Polylepis pacensis occurs in Bolivia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Polylepis pacensis?
The main threats to Polylepis pacensis 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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