CR

Sphyrospermum spruceanum

Unknown

Overview

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

Sphyrospermum spruceanum faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited Amazonian range. Mining activities and agricultural expansion have destroyed significant portions of its specialized cloud forest habitat, while climate change is shifting the altitudinal zones where this epiphytic species can survive. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized habitat destruction.

Threat summary

Habitat

This epiphytic shrub inhabits montane cloud forests and humid upper elevation forests of the Amazon basin, typically growing on tree branches and trunks in areas with persistent moisture and fog. It requires the specific microclimate conditions found in undisturbed primary forest canopies between 1,000-2,500 meters elevation.

Other threatened species in ERICACEAE

VU

Cavendishia macrocephala

Unknown
EN

Cavendishia sessiliflora

Unknown
VU

Macleania crassa

Unknown
CR

Orthaea caudata

Unknown

Threatened in Ecuador

EN

Puya fastuosa

Unknown
VU

Diospyros esmereg

Declining
VU

Copper Shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus

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EN

Baird's Tapir

Tapirus bairdii

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Sphyrospermum spruceanum classified as Critically Endangered?
Sphyrospermum spruceanum 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 spruceanum faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited Amazonian range. Mining activities and agricultural expansion have destroyed significant portions of its specialized cloud forest habitat, while climate change is shifting the altitudinal zones where this epiphytic species can survive. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized habitat destruction.
Where does Sphyrospermum spruceanum live?
Sphyrospermum spruceanum 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 spruceanum?
The main threats to Sphyrospermum spruceanum 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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