CR

Tetzlaff's Phragmipedium

Phragmipedium tetzlaffianum

Declining

Overview

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

Phragmipedium tetzlaffianum faces severe threats from illegal collection for the international orchid trade, driven by its extreme rarity and desirability among collectors. Habitat destruction through deforestation and agricultural expansion in its limited Peruvian range compounds population pressures. The species' naturally small population size and restricted distribution make it exceptionally vulnerable to stochastic events and human disturbance.

Threat summary

Habitat

This terrestrial orchid inhabits cloud forest environments on steep slopes in the eastern Andes of Peru, typically growing in moss-covered rocky substrates with high humidity and consistent moisture. It occurs at elevations between 1,800-2,400 meters in areas with frequent fog and mist that provide the specialized microclimate conditions required for survival.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical moist lowland· major

Conservation measures underway

Resource & habitat protectionSite/area managementSpecies recoverySpecies reintroductionEx-situ conservationAwareness & communicationsLegislation

Other threatened species in ORCHIDACEAE

EN

Porpax angustifolia

Unknown
EN

Polystachya longiscapa

Unknown
CR

Richter's Phragmipedium

Phragmipedium richteri

Declining
CR

The Lost Spathoglottis

Spathoglottis arunachalensis

Declining

Threatened in Venezuela

EN

Helena's Marsupial Frog

Gastrotheca helenae

Stable
VU

Ternstroemia steyermarkii

Declining
VU

Ruprechtia apurensis

Unknown
EN

Bonellia loeflingii

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Tetzlaff's Phragmipedium classified as Critically Endangered?
Tetzlaff's Phragmipedium 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. Phragmipedium tetzlaffianum faces severe threats from illegal collection for the international orchid trade, driven by its extreme rarity and desirability among collectors. Habitat destruction through deforestation and agricultural expansion in its limited Peruvian range compounds population pressures. The species' naturally small population size and restricted distribution make it exceptionally vulnerable to stochastic events and human disturbance.
Where does Tetzlaff's Phragmipedium live?
Tetzlaff's Phragmipedium occurs in Venezuela. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Tetzlaff's Phragmipedium?
The main threats to Tetzlaff's Phragmipedium are 5.3, 5.4, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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