EN

Solanum chimborazense

Unknown

Overview

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

Solanum chimborazense faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and livestock grazing in Ecuador's high-altitude páramo ecosystems. The species' restricted range on Chimborazo volcano makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat conversion for potato cultivation and cattle ranching. Climate change poses an additional threat as warming temperatures push suitable habitat to higher elevations, reducing the already limited area available for this endemic nightshade.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic species inhabits high-altitude páramo grasslands and scrublands on the slopes of Chimborazo volcano in Ecuador, typically occurring between 3,500-4,200 meters elevation. It grows in well-drained volcanic soils among native bunch grasses and cushion plants characteristic of Andean alpine ecosystems.

Other threatened species in SOLANACEAE

VU

Schwenckia trujilloi

Stable
VU

Solanum reitzii

Unknown
CR

Withania chevalieri

Unknown
VU

Solandra nizandensis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Solanum chimborazense classified as Endangered?
Solanum chimborazense 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. Solanum chimborazense faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and livestock grazing in Ecuador's high-altitude páramo ecosystems. The species' restricted range on Chimborazo volcano makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat conversion for potato cultivation and cattle ranching. Climate change poses an additional threat as warming temperatures push suitable habitat to higher elevations, reducing the already limited area available for this endemic nightshade.
Where does Solanum chimborazense live?
Solanum chimborazense 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 Solanum chimborazense?
The main threats to Solanum chimborazense 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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