VU

Tillandsia hirtzii

Unknown

Overview

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

Tillandsia hirtzii faces significant pressure from habitat destruction as Ecuador's cloud forests are cleared for agriculture and urban development. The species' restricted range in the Andes makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while climate change threatens to shift the moisture-dependent cloud forest conditions essential for its survival. Collection for the ornamental plant trade poses an additional threat to remaining wild populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

This epiphytic bromeliad inhabits cloud forests and humid montane forests of the Ecuadorian Andes, typically growing on tree branches and trunks in areas with persistent fog and high humidity. It occurs at elevations between 1,500-2,500 meters where moisture levels remain consistently high throughout the year.

Forest· major

Other threatened species in BROMELIACEAE

EN

Puya fosteriana

Unknown
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Puya fastuosa

Unknown
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Puya pratensis

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CR

Puya ramonii

Unknown

Threatened in Ecuador

VU

Diospyros esmereg

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VU

Copper Shark

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EN

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Tillandsia hirtzii classified as Vulnerable?
Tillandsia hirtzii 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. Tillandsia hirtzii faces significant pressure from habitat destruction as Ecuador's cloud forests are cleared for agriculture and urban development. The species' restricted range in the Andes makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while climate change threatens to shift the moisture-dependent cloud forest conditions essential for its survival. Collection for the ornamental plant trade poses an additional threat to remaining wild populations.
Where does Tillandsia hirtzii live?
Tillandsia hirtzii 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 hirtzii?
The main threats to Tillandsia hirtzii 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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