CR

Sphyrospermum muscicola

Unknown

Overview

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

Sphyrospermum muscicola faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat conversion in its restricted montane cloud forest range. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while climate change poses additional risks by altering the specific moisture and temperature conditions required for cloud forest ecosystems. Agricultural expansion and infrastructure development continue to fragment the remaining suitable habitat.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits montane cloud forests at high elevations, typically growing as an epiphyte on moss-covered trees and rocks. It requires the consistently humid, cool conditions characteristic of these specialized ecosystems.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Sphyrospermum muscicola classified as Critically Endangered?
Sphyrospermum muscicola is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Sphyrospermum muscicola faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat conversion in its restricted montane cloud forest range. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while climate change poses additional risks by altering the specific moisture and temperature conditions required for cloud forest ecosystems. Agricultural expansion and infrastructure development continue to fragment the remaining suitable habitat.
Where does Sphyrospermum muscicola live?
Sphyrospermum muscicola 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 Sphyrospermum muscicola?
The main threats to Sphyrospermum muscicola 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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