EN

Tillandsia cernua

Declining

Overview

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

Tillandsia cernua faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in Ecuador and Peru. The species is particularly vulnerable to collection pressure for the ornamental plant trade, as its distinctive drooping flower spikes make it highly sought after by bromeliad enthusiasts. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the humid montane conditions essential for this epiphytic species' survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This epiphytic bromeliad inhabits humid montane cloud forests between 1,500-2,800 meters elevation, growing on tree branches and trunks in the Andean slopes of Ecuador and northern Peru. The species requires consistent moisture from fog and mist, thriving in the cool, humid microclimate of these specialized high-altitude ecosystems.

Forest· major

Other threatened species in BROMELIACEAE

EN

Puya fosteriana

Unknown
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Puya fastuosa

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Puya pratensis

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Puya ramonii

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Threatened in Ecuador

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EN

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Tillandsia cernua classified as Endangered?
Tillandsia cernua is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Tillandsia cernua faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in Ecuador and Peru. The species is particularly vulnerable to collection pressure for the ornamental plant trade, as its distinctive drooping flower spikes make it highly sought after by bromeliad enthusiasts. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the humid montane conditions essential for this epiphytic species' survival.
Where does Tillandsia cernua live?
Tillandsia cernua 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 Tillandsia cernua?
The main threats to Tillandsia cernua 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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