VU

Stanhopea platyceras

Unknown

Overview

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

Stanhopea platyceras faces severe pressure from deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its Central American range, particularly affecting the cloud forest ecosystems it depends upon. The species' epiphytic lifestyle makes it especially vulnerable to logging operations that remove host trees, while its specialized pollination requirements by male euglossine bees create additional vulnerability when forest connectivity is disrupted. Climate change poses an emerging threat by altering the moisture regimes essential for cloud forest orchids, potentially shifting suitable habitat to higher elevations where less area is available.

Threat summary

Habitat

This epiphytic orchid inhabits humid montane and cloud forests between 800-2000 meters elevation, growing on tree trunks and branches in the forest canopy. It requires consistent moisture and filtered light conditions typical of Central American cloud forest ecosystems from Mexico through Costa Rica.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Stanhopea platyceras classified as Vulnerable?
Stanhopea platyceras is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Stanhopea platyceras faces severe pressure from deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its Central American range, particularly affecting the cloud forest ecosystems it depends upon. The species' epiphytic lifestyle makes it especially vulnerable to logging operations that remove host trees, while its specialized pollination requirements by male euglossine bees create additional vulnerability when forest connectivity is disrupted. Climate change poses an emerging threat by altering the moisture regimes essential for cloud forest orchids, potentially shifting suitable habitat to higher elevations where less area is available.
Where does Stanhopea platyceras live?
Stanhopea platyceras 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 Stanhopea platyceras?
The main threats to Stanhopea platyceras 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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