VU

Oreohelix vortex

Unknown

Overview

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

Oreohelix vortex faces significant threats from habitat degradation due to livestock grazing and trampling in its limited montane range. Climate change poses an additional risk as warming temperatures may force this cold-adapted species to retreat to increasingly restricted high-elevation refugia. The species' narrow geographic distribution and specialized habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and human disturbances.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits high-elevation montane environments in the Rocky Mountains, typically found in rocky talus slopes, cliff faces, and alpine meadows. It requires cool, moist microhabitats with adequate shelter under rocks and vegetation in subalpine and alpine zones.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in OREOHELICIDAE

VU

Oreohelix jugalis

Unknown
VU

Oreohelix waltoni

Unknown
Radiocentrum avalonenseCR

Radiocentrum avalonense

Unknown

Threatened in United States

Curlew SandpiperVU

Curlew Sandpiper

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
Argentinean Horned FrogVU

Argentinean Horned Frog

Ceratophrys ornata

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VU

Paddlefish

Polyodon spathula

Unknown
EN

Polystachya longiscapa

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Oreohelix vortex classified as Vulnerable?
Oreohelix vortex 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. Oreohelix vortex faces significant threats from habitat degradation due to livestock grazing and trampling in its limited montane range. Climate change poses an additional risk as warming temperatures may force this cold-adapted species to retreat to increasingly restricted high-elevation refugia. The species' narrow geographic distribution and specialized habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and human disturbances.
Where does Oreohelix vortex live?
Oreohelix vortex occurs in United States. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Oreohelix vortex?
The main threats to Oreohelix vortex 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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