VU

Agave azurea

Stable

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Agave azurea faces severe pressure from habitat conversion as its native oak-pine forest ecosystems in the Sierra Madre Oriental are cleared for agriculture and urban development. The species' extremely limited range, restricted to a few localities in Nuevo León, Mexico, makes entire populations vulnerable to localized disturbances. Collection pressure for horticultural trade compounds these threats, as the species' striking blue-gray coloration makes it highly sought after by succulent collectors.

Threat summary

Habitat

Agave azurea inhabits oak-pine forests and rocky slopes in the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains of northeastern Mexico, typically at elevations between 1,200-2,000 meters. The species grows on limestone substrates in semi-arid montane environments with well-drained soils.

Shrubland· majorRocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protection

Other threatened species in ASPARAGACEAE

CR

Chlorophytum herrmannii

Unknown
EN

Asparagus radiatus

Unknown
CR

Prospero talosii

Unknown
EN

Beaucarnea gracilis

Declining

Threatened in Mexico

EN

Turbinicarpus horripilus

Declining
CR

Turbinicarpus mandragora

Declining
EN

Opuntia pachyrrhiza

Declining
EN

Arachnothryx tacanensis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Agave azurea classified as Vulnerable?
Agave azurea is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Agave azurea faces severe pressure from habitat conversion as its native oak-pine forest ecosystems in the Sierra Madre Oriental are cleared for agriculture and urban development. The species' extremely limited range, restricted to a few localities in Nuevo León, Mexico, makes entire populations vulnerable to localized disturbances. Collection pressure for horticultural trade compounds these threats, as the species' striking blue-gray coloration makes it highly sought after by succulent collectors.
Where does Agave azurea live?
Agave azurea occurs in Mexico. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Agave azurea?
The main threats to Agave azurea are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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