VU

Uncinia ecuadorensis

Unknown

Overview

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

Uncinia ecuadorensis faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle grazing in Ecuador's high-altitude páramo ecosystems. The species' restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat conversion, as páramo grasslands are increasingly cleared for potato cultivation and livestock pasture. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the cool, moist conditions essential for this sedge's survival in montane environments.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic sedge inhabits the páramo grasslands of the Ecuadorian Andes, typically found at elevations between 3,200-4,000 meters. It grows in wet, boggy areas and along stream margins within these high-altitude tropical alpine ecosystems, where cool temperatures and consistent moisture create ideal conditions for specialized páramo vegetation.

Other threatened species in CYPERACEAE

Carex lapazensisCR

Carex lapazensis

Unknown
EN

Bulbostylis nemoides

Unknown
VU

Costularia baronii

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VU

Costularia robusta

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Uncinia ecuadorensis classified as Vulnerable?
Uncinia ecuadorensis 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. Uncinia ecuadorensis faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle grazing in Ecuador's high-altitude páramo ecosystems. The species' restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat conversion, as páramo grasslands are increasingly cleared for potato cultivation and livestock pasture. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the cool, moist conditions essential for this sedge's survival in montane environments.
Where does Uncinia ecuadorensis live?
Uncinia ecuadorensis occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Uncinia ecuadorensis?
The main threats to Uncinia ecuadorensis 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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