VU

Schlumbergera microsphaerica

Stable

Overview

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

Schlumbergera microsphaerica faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as Brazil's Atlantic Forest continues to be cleared for agriculture and urban development. The species' extremely restricted range in the coastal mountains of Rio de Janeiro state makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats. Collection pressure for the horticultural trade poses an additional risk, as this distinctive Christmas cactus is sought after by collectors. Climate change may further stress remaining populations by altering the humid microclimate conditions this epiphytic species requires.

Threat summary

Habitat

This epiphytic cactus inhabits the humid Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil, growing on trees and rock faces in montane cloud forests. It occurs at elevations between 800-1,200 meters in areas with high humidity and filtered sunlight.

Forest· major

Other threatened species in CACTACEAE

EN

Turbinicarpus horripilus

Declining
CR

Turbinicarpus mandragora

Declining
EN

Opuntia pachyrrhiza

Declining
EN

Opuntia megarrhiza

Declining

Threatened in Brazil

Striped SmoothhoundCR

Striped Smoothhound

Mustelus fasciatus

Declining
VU

Mussismilia hispida

Declining
VU

Myrcia carioca

Declining
Brasilia TapaculoEN

Brasilia Tapaculo

Scytalopus novacapitalis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Schlumbergera microsphaerica classified as Vulnerable?
Schlumbergera microsphaerica 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. Schlumbergera microsphaerica faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as Brazil's Atlantic Forest continues to be cleared for agriculture and urban development. The species' extremely restricted range in the coastal mountains of Rio de Janeiro state makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats. Collection pressure for the horticultural trade poses an additional risk, as this distinctive Christmas cactus is sought after by collectors. Climate change may further stress remaining populations by altering the humid microclimate conditions this epiphytic species requires.
Where does Schlumbergera microsphaerica live?
Schlumbergera microsphaerica occurs in Brazil. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Schlumbergera microsphaerica?
The main threats to Schlumbergera microsphaerica 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.

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.