CR

Rhipidoglossum orientalis

Unknown

Overview

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

Rhipidoglossum orientalis faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat conversion in its limited East African range. The species' epiphytic lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable to logging and forest clearance, as it depends entirely on mature forest canopy for survival. Agricultural expansion and charcoal production have significantly reduced suitable habitat, while climate change may be altering the moisture regimes essential for this orchid's growth.

Threat summary

Habitat

This epiphytic orchid inhabits the canopy of montane and submontane forests in East Africa, typically growing on tree branches and trunks in areas with high humidity and consistent moisture. It requires mature forest ecosystems with stable microclimatic conditions found in undisturbed woodland environments.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical moist montane· major

Other threatened species in ORCHIDACEAE

EN

Porpax angustifolia

Unknown
EN

Polystachya longiscapa

Unknown
CR

The Lost Spathoglottis

Spathoglottis arunachalensis

Declining
VU

Disperis galerita

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Rhipidoglossum orientalis classified as Critically Endangered?
Rhipidoglossum orientalis 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. Rhipidoglossum orientalis faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat conversion in its limited East African range. The species' epiphytic lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable to logging and forest clearance, as it depends entirely on mature forest canopy for survival. Agricultural expansion and charcoal production have significantly reduced suitable habitat, while climate change may be altering the moisture regimes essential for this orchid's growth.
Where does Rhipidoglossum orientalis live?
Rhipidoglossum orientalis 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 Rhipidoglossum orientalis?
The main threats to Rhipidoglossum orientalis are 2.1, ai-1, ai-2, and ai-3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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