Two new species of carnivorous plants, Pinguicula jimburensis and Pinguicula ombrophila, have been discovered in Ecuador, showcasing the region’s biodiversity. These butterworts, part of the genus Pinguicula, have sticky leaves that capture and digest small insects, thriving in nutrient-poor soils of the high Andes. Found in the Amotape-Huancabamba zone, these species inhabit unique microhabitats characterized by rugged terrains and high rainfall. However, they are threatened by habitat loss and climate change, despite being located in protected areas.
The discovery of these new species, which brings Ecuador’s Pinguicula count to three, highlights the urgent need for biodiversity assessments in Neotropical regions. Senior author Tilo Henning emphasizes the dual nature of this finding as both encouraging and concerning, given the relentless urban expansion and environmental changes impacting fragile ecosystems. Notably, Pinguicula ombrophila, derived from “rain-loving butterwort,” underscores the plants’ dependency on consistent moisture from their high-altitude habitats. The research, led by a team including Álvaro J. Pérez and published in PhytoKeys, reflects the ongoing race against time to document and conserve these and other undiscovered species before they face irreversible threats.
