Agave macroacantha
EN

Agave macroacantha

Declining

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agave_macroacantha

Overview

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

Agave macroacantha faces severe population decline primarily due to overcollection for ornamental trade and traditional uses, with its striking architectural form making it highly sought after by collectors. Habitat degradation from livestock grazing and agricultural expansion in its native Mexican range has further reduced available growing sites. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns in the arid regions where this species naturally occurs.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits arid and semi-arid regions of central Mexico, typically growing on rocky slopes, desert scrublands, and oak-pine woodland margins at elevations between 1,500-2,500 meters. It thrives in well-drained soils with low organic content and can tolerate extreme temperature fluctuations characteristic of high-altitude desert environments.

Rocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protection

Other threatened species in ASPARAGACEAE

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Chlorophytum herrmannii

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Prospero talosii

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Beaucarnea gracilis

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Turbinicarpus horripilus

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Turbinicarpus mandragora

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Opuntia pachyrrhiza

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Arachnothryx tacanensis

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Agave macroacantha classified as Endangered?
Agave macroacantha is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Agave macroacantha faces severe population decline primarily due to overcollection for ornamental trade and traditional uses, with its striking architectural form making it highly sought after by collectors. Habitat degradation from livestock grazing and agricultural expansion in its native Mexican range has further reduced available growing sites. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns in the arid regions where this species naturally occurs.
Where does Agave macroacantha live?
Agave macroacantha 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 macroacantha?
The main threats to Agave macroacantha 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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