VU

Ribes austroecuadorense

Unknown

Overview

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

Ribes austroecuadorense faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching in Ecuador's montane regions, which directly destroys its specialized cloud forest habitat. Mining activities and road construction further fragment the remaining populations, while climate change threatens to shift the narrow altitudinal zones where this endemic gooseberry can survive. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to any habitat disturbance.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Ecuadorian gooseberry inhabits cloud forests and montane scrublands at elevations between 2,800-3,500 meters in the Andes. It requires the specific microclimate conditions found in these high-altitude ecosystems, including consistent moisture from cloud cover and well-drained volcanic soils.

Other threatened species in GROSSULARIACEAE

CR

Ribes albifolium

Unknown
VU

Ribes lehmannii

Unknown
CR

Ribes malvifolium

Declining
Sardinian CurrantCR

Sardinian Currant

Ribes sardoum

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Ribes austroecuadorense classified as Vulnerable?
Ribes austroecuadorense 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. Ribes austroecuadorense faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching in Ecuador's montane regions, which directly destroys its specialized cloud forest habitat. Mining activities and road construction further fragment the remaining populations, while climate change threatens to shift the narrow altitudinal zones where this endemic gooseberry can survive. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to any habitat disturbance.
Where does Ribes austroecuadorense live?
Ribes austroecuadorense 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 Ribes austroecuadorense?
The main threats to Ribes austroecuadorense 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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