Zygia steyermarkii
Overview
Zygia steyermarkii is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It can only be found in Ecuador.
Zygia steyermarkii faces severe threats from ongoing deforestation and agricultural expansion throughout its limited range in Central American cloud forests. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, as remaining forest patches become increasingly isolated. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the moisture regimes essential for cloud forest ecosystems where this leguminous tree depends on specific atmospheric conditions.
Habitat
Zygia steyermarkii inhabits montane cloud forests at elevations between 1,200-2,000 meters, where it depends on the persistent moisture and fog characteristic of these ecosystems. The species typically grows in primary and secondary cloud forest formations with high humidity and relatively stable temperatures year-round.
Other threatened species in FABACEAE
Threatened in Ecuador
Frequently asked questions
Why is Zygia steyermarkii classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Zygia steyermarkii live?
What are the main threats to Zygia steyermarkii?
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