CR

Symplocos pichindensis

Declining

Overview

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

Symplocos pichindensis faces severe threats from ongoing deforestation and agricultural expansion within its extremely limited range in Colombia's Western Cordillera. The species' restriction to cloud forest fragments makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat degradation from cattle ranching and crop cultivation. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the moisture regimes essential for cloud forest ecosystems, potentially shifting suitable habitat to higher elevations where little suitable terrain remains.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species is endemic to cloud forests in Colombia's Western Cordillera, typically occurring at elevations between 1,800-2,400 meters. It inhabits the understory and mid-canopy of humid montane forests characterized by persistent cloud cover and high moisture levels.

Other threatened species in SYMPLOCACEAE

EN

Symplocos culminicola

Declining
CR

Symplocos yapacanensis

Declining
CR

Symplocos rhamnifolia

Declining
EN

Symplocos oreophila

Unknown

Threatened in Colombia

EN

Helena's Marsupial Frog

Gastrotheca helenae

Stable
VU

Cavendishia macrocephala

Unknown
EN

Cavendishia sessiliflora

Unknown
VU

Macleania crassa

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Symplocos pichindensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Symplocos pichindensis 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. Symplocos pichindensis faces severe threats from ongoing deforestation and agricultural expansion within its extremely limited range in Colombia's Western Cordillera. The species' restriction to cloud forest fragments makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat degradation from cattle ranching and crop cultivation. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the moisture regimes essential for cloud forest ecosystems, potentially shifting suitable habitat to higher elevations where little suitable terrain remains.
Where does Symplocos pichindensis live?
Symplocos pichindensis occurs in Colombia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Symplocos pichindensis?
The main threats to Symplocos pichindensis 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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