CR

Xyris andina

Unknown

Overview

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

Xyris andina faces severe threats from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching in the high-altitude páramo ecosystems of the northern Andes. Mining activities and infrastructure development have fragmented its already limited habitat range. Climate change poses an additional threat as warming temperatures push suitable habitat conditions to higher elevations, reducing available area for this specialized alpine plant.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species is endemic to high-altitude páramo grasslands and wetlands in the northern Andes, typically occurring between 3,000-4,200 meters elevation. It grows in boggy areas and seasonal pools within these alpine ecosystems, requiring specific moisture and temperature conditions.

Other threatened species in XYRIDACEAE

VU

Xyris baronii

Declining
CR

Xyris boliviana

Unknown
CR

Xyris ramboi

Unknown
CR

Xyris diaphanobracteata

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Xyris andina classified as Critically Endangered?
Xyris andina is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Xyris andina faces severe threats from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching in the high-altitude páramo ecosystems of the northern Andes. Mining activities and infrastructure development have fragmented its already limited habitat range. Climate change poses an additional threat as warming temperatures push suitable habitat conditions to higher elevations, reducing available area for this specialized alpine plant.
Where does Xyris andina live?
Xyris andina 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 Xyris andina?
The main threats to Xyris andina 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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