Guzmania calamifolia

Epiphytes have experienced dramatic population decreases mainly because of habitat loss and extraction activities, which have driven many species close to extinction (Mondragon et al. 2006). Although forests in some parts of the range have remained fairly intact and stable, with large blocks remaining with minimal fragmentation and high connectivity, they are increasingly threatened by habitat conversion and degradation. In other parts of the range, intact fragments of primary forest are restricted to steep inaccessible slopes and much of the original forest cover has been cleared. Drastic reductions in lowland and middle elevation natural habitats isolate highland forests. Logging, clearance for conversion to commercial (e.g., oil palm) or subsistence agriculture and cattle pasture, squatting, uncontrolled gold mining and illegal growing of coca, all contribute to the high and alarming deforestation rates in the region. Construction of roads e.g., Inter-American Highway, have greatly increased levels of human interference and fragmentation of previously inaccessible areas. Drastic elimination of lowland and middle elevation habitats in surrounding ecoregions has isolated the highland reserves. Fragmentation of forests is a major cause of bromeliad extinction. The resilience of this species to anthropogenic disturbances is unknown but collections in disturbed (e.g., selective cutting) primary forest, in forest remnants, along trails, roads and highways suggest some tolerance. However, the ability of the taxon to regenerate in secondary forest is unknown. This species does not appear to be available for sale. The taxon is an attractive bromeliad and may be collected by locals and or hobbyists. The impact of potential extraction on the population is unknown.

This species was collected within several conservation units. However, protected areas are limited in size compared with the great variety of ecosystems, therefore the protection system is believed to be deficient (Dinerstein et al. 1995). Surveys and censuses should be conducted in the historical localities of collection and in potentially suitable sites to determine the current size and range of the population and whether local extinction has occurred. Parts of the region remain botanically unexplored. The dynamics of the population should be monitored. Samples of seed should be collected for germplasm conservation. The taxon has been listed as Least Concern in Colombia (Betancourt and Nestor Garcia 2003) but is considered Vulnerable in Panama (Cuenca 2004).The Mesoamerican Biological Corridor project, which aims to enhance connectivity among the Atlantic slope habitats, may help improving conservation efforts in the region (D'Ambrosio 2001).