EN

Selenipedium dodsonii

Declining

Overview

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

Selenipedium dodsonii faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as cloud forests in its limited Ecuadorian range are cleared for agriculture and cattle ranching. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes entire populations vulnerable to localized disturbances, while illegal collection for the horticultural trade targets this rare slipper orchid. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the precise moisture and temperature conditions required by this cloud forest specialist.

Threat summary

Habitat

This terrestrial orchid inhabits pristine cloud forests on the eastern slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes, typically growing in moss-covered areas with constant moisture and filtered sunlight. It requires the specific microclimate conditions found at elevations between 1,200-2,000 meters where persistent cloud cover maintains high humidity levels.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical moist lowland· majorShrubland· major

Conservation measures underway

Resource & habitat protectionSpecies recoverySpecies reintroductionEx-situ conservationAwareness & communicationsLegislationLinked enterprises & livelihood alternatives

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Selenipedium dodsonii classified as Endangered?
Selenipedium dodsonii 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. Selenipedium dodsonii faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as cloud forests in its limited Ecuadorian range are cleared for agriculture and cattle ranching. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes entire populations vulnerable to localized disturbances, while illegal collection for the horticultural trade targets this rare slipper orchid. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the precise moisture and temperature conditions required by this cloud forest specialist.
Where does Selenipedium dodsonii live?
Selenipedium dodsonii occurs in Ecuador. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Selenipedium dodsonii?
The main threats to Selenipedium dodsonii 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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