Thibaudia steyermarkii
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Thibaudia steyermarkii faces primary threats from habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and infrastructure development in Venezuela's tepui regions. The species' restricted range on isolated mountain summits makes it particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts, as warming temperatures force suitable habitat upslope with nowhere left to retreat. Mining activities and tourism pressure in the Gran Sabana region pose additional localized threats to remaining populations.
Habitat
This endemic shrub inhabits cloud forests and montane scrublands on the tepuis (table mountains) of the Guiana Highlands in Venezuela, typically occurring at elevations between 1,500-2,500 meters. It grows in nutrient-poor, acidic soils characteristic of these ancient sandstone formations, often in areas with persistent cloud cover and high humidity.
