EN

Agave petrophila

Declining

Overview

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

Agave petrophila faces severe threats from limestone quarrying and mining activities that directly destroy its rocky habitat in the Sierra Madre Oriental. Urban expansion and agricultural conversion in surrounding valleys further fragment the limited suitable terrain. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns that could affect the species' water balance in its arid mountain environment.

Threat summary

Habitat

This agave species is endemic to limestone cliffs and rocky outcrops in the Sierra Madre Oriental of northeastern Mexico. It grows specifically on steep, well-drained calcareous substrates at elevations between 1,200-2,000 meters in semi-arid montane environments.

Forest - Subtropical/tropical dry· majorRocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Legislation

Other threatened species in ASPARAGACEAE

CR

Chlorophytum herrmannii

Unknown
EN

Asparagus radiatus

Unknown
CR

Prospero talosii

Unknown
EN

Beaucarnea gracilis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Agave petrophila classified as Endangered?
Agave petrophila 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 petrophila faces severe threats from limestone quarrying and mining activities that directly destroy its rocky habitat in the Sierra Madre Oriental. Urban expansion and agricultural conversion in surrounding valleys further fragment the limited suitable terrain. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns that could affect the species' water balance in its arid mountain environment.
Where does Agave petrophila live?
Agave petrophila occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Agave petrophila?
The main threats to Agave petrophila 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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