Lepanthes eltoroensis
Stimson
Luquillo Mountain Babyboot Orchid
G1Critically ImperiledGlobal Rank
High - mediumThreat Impact
Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.139326
Element CodePMORC1K020
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVascular Plant
CITESAppendix II
Endemicendemic to a single nation
KingdomPlantae
PhylumAnthophyta
ClassMonocotyledoneae
OrderOrchidales
FamilyOrchidaceae
GenusLepanthes
Concept ReferenceKartesz, J.T. 1994. A synonymized checklist of the vascular flora of the United States, Canada, and Greenland. 2nd edition. 2 vols. Timber Press, Portland, OR.
Conservation Status
Rank MethodLegacy Rank calculation - Excel v3.1x
Review Date2018-03-28
Change Date2018-03-28
Edition Date2018-03-28
Edition AuthorsMacBryde, Bruce (2000), rev. Treher (2018)
Threat ImpactHigh - medium
Range Extent<100-250 square km (less than about 40-100 square miles)
Number of Occurrences1 - 20
Rank ReasonsLepanthes eltoroensis is endemic to Puerto Rico, occurring in the Luquillo Mountains in four municipalities but entirely within El Yunque National Forest. The species is an epiphyte or lithophyte in wet forests 750-1000 meters. Six populations known, five of which are extant (1996). The global population size is between 1,000 and 3,000 individuals. Climate change and severe weather are the greatest threats to this species. The species is listed as an endangered species under U.S. federal law; in Annex I of the SPAW Protocol of the Cartagena Convention; and in Appendix II of CITES.
Range Extent CommentsLepanthes eltoroensis is endemic to El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico (USFWS 1996, 2015).
Occurrences CommentsFormerly 6 discrete sites, one of which is extirpated (USFWS 1996). It is believed that more sites occur within El Yunque National Forest but intensive surveys are needed to confirm this (USFWS 2015).
Threat Impact CommentsThe greatest threats to this species are extreme weather and climate change. Hurricanes cause landslides, defoliation of trees, and habitat changes due to fallen trees. This can expose plants to excessive light, higher temperatures, and lower moisture levels. And provide the opportunity for more aggressive sun loving plants to invade and compete with the species. Climate change can impact the species by increasing temperatures and decreasing moisture levels and by increasing the frequency of storms. Epiphytic species with very narrow ecological requirements are thought to be more sensitive to these changes (USFWS 2015).
Although it was believed that plants at the palm-forest site were probably taken by orchid collectors between 1969 and 1975 (USFWS 1996): wild collections remains a threat but at a low level. This species is so inconspicuus that is difficult to find and sites are hard to access (USFWS 2015).
Forestry management was thought to be a threat but the five year review determined that this is not a major threat. This species occurs in the National Wilderness Preservation System so the USFWS must approve all maintenance, including trail maintenance; has protection in the forest plan; and occurs i an area with very few visitors (USFWS 2015).
Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Epiphyte or lithophyte in wet, montane cloud forests, including sierra palm, palo colorado and dwarf forests, at middle to high elevations, 700(750)-1000 meters. Relative humidity in these forests is between 90 and 100%. A small number of host trees harbor the species' colonies (PR CDC 9/2000) but the epiphytic plants are found on the non-windy mossy tree trunks and low branches (Ackerman 1995, 2014; USFWS 2015).
Reproduction
Flowering throughout the year, but fruit set appears to be low (Ackerman 1995).
Terrestrial HabitatsForest/Woodland
Plant Characteristics
DurationPERENNIAL
Economic Value (Genus)No
References (8)
- Ackerman, J.D. 1995. An orchid flora of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Memoirs of The New York Botanical Garden Vol. 73. New York Botanical Garden, Bronx. 203 pp.
- Ackerman, J.D. 2014. Orchid Flora of the Greater Antilles. Memoirs of the New York Botanical Garden, vol. 109. The New York Botanical Garden Press, Bronx, New York. 625 pp.
- Kartesz, J.T. 1994. A synonymized checklist of the vascular flora of the United States, Canada, and Greenland. 2nd edition. 2 vols. Timber Press, Portland, OR.
- Liogier, H.A., and L.F. Martorell. 1982. Flora of Puerto Rico and adjacent islands: A systematic synopsis. Editorial de la Universidad de Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras. 342 pp.
- Liogier, H.A., and L.F. Martorell. 2000. Flora of Puerto Rico and adjacent islands: A systematic synopsis. 2nd edition, corrected and revised by H.A. Liogier. Editorial de la Universidad de Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras. 382 pp.
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1996. <i>Cranichis ricartii</i> and <i>Lepanthes eltorensis </i>Recovery Plan. USFWS, Southeast Region, Atlanta, Georgia.
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2015. <i>Lepanthes eltoroensis</i> (no common name) 5-Year Review: Summary and Evaluation. USFWS Southeast Region Caribbean Ecological Services Field Office Boquerón, Puerto Rico
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2020. Removing <i>Lepanthes eltoroensis f</i>rom the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants. Proposed rule. Federal Register 85(47): 13844-13856.