EN

Sphaerostephanos castaneus

Unknown

Overview

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

Sphaerostephanos castaneus faces severe pressure from deforestation and habitat conversion throughout its limited range in Southeast Asian tropical forests. The species' specialized requirements for humid, shaded understory conditions make it particularly vulnerable to forest fragmentation and edge effects. Agricultural expansion and logging activities have significantly reduced suitable habitat, while climate change threatens to alter the moisture regimes essential for this fern's survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This fern species inhabits the humid understory of lowland and montane tropical rainforests, typically growing on forest floors and rocky substrates in deeply shaded conditions. It requires consistently moist environments with high humidity levels, often found along stream banks and in areas with reliable water sources.

Other threatened species in THELYPTERIDACEAE

CR

Coryphopteris marquesensis

Unknown
EN

Thelypteris grantii

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EN

Bermuda Shield Fern

Thelypteris bermudiana

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VU

Amauropelta subtilis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Sphaerostephanos castaneus classified as Endangered?
Sphaerostephanos castaneus 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. Sphaerostephanos castaneus faces severe pressure from deforestation and habitat conversion throughout its limited range in Southeast Asian tropical forests. The species' specialized requirements for humid, shaded understory conditions make it particularly vulnerable to forest fragmentation and edge effects. Agricultural expansion and logging activities have significantly reduced suitable habitat, while climate change threatens to alter the moisture regimes essential for this fern's survival.
Where does Sphaerostephanos castaneus live?
Sphaerostephanos castaneus 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 Sphaerostephanos castaneus?
The main threats to Sphaerostephanos castaneus 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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