Rio Abajo spleenwort
Asplenium corderoanum
Photo: (c) Alcides L. Morales-Pérez, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Alcides L. Morales-Pérez
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
The Rio Abajo spleenwort faces severe threats from habitat destruction and fragmentation due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urban development in Puerto Rico's limestone karst regions. Its extremely limited distribution and small population size make it highly vulnerable to environmental changes and human disturbances. The species' specialized habitat requirements and slow reproductive rate further compound its risk of extinction.
Habitat
This endemic fern species inhabits shaded limestone cliffs, caves, and rocky crevices in the karst regions of northern Puerto Rico, typically in humid tropical forests with consistent moisture levels. It grows in specialized microhabitats on calcareous substrates where it can anchor in rock fissures and benefit from filtered light conditions.
Other threatened species in Aspleniaceae
Frequently asked questions
Why is Rio Abajo spleenwort classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Rio Abajo spleenwort live?
What are the main threats to Rio Abajo spleenwort?
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.