Distribution

Endemic to Brazil: Rio de Janeiro (Serra dos Orgaos, Pico do Tingua). The extent of occurrence is estimated to be less than 100 km² and it is known from only two localities. The population is severely fragmented due to deforestation and urbanisation. An ongoing decline is suspected at one of the two known localities.

Habitat and Ecology

Montane Atlantic rainforest

Conservation Status

Global status

Critically Endangered B1ab(ii,iii)

Global rationale

Although this variety is thriving within Reserva Biologica Tingua, deforestation has not ceased outside this reserve, nor is it likely to have ceased in the other unprotected locality. The small extent of occurrence (< 100 km²) and the likelihood of continuing decline outside the single reserve indicate an assessment of Critically Endangered.

Global threats

This rare variety is known from only two localities next to a metropolis. The locality Pico do Tingua is in a biological reserve (Reserva Biologica Tingua) and this variety has been frequently recorded here since its discovery more than a century ago. Although there have been reports of encroachment, deforestation and habitat degradation within the reserve, these seem to be limited to the peripheral areas rather than the higher altitudes where this taxon occurs. Its status in the other locality is uncertain although it is suspected that deforestation has probably greatly reduced the total area of occupancy (AOO) within the last three generations. An ongoing decline is suspected to be occurring in the unprotected area.

Conservation Actions

One of the two known localities is within a reserve.