VU

Astrocaryum echinatum

Declining

Overview

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

Astrocaryum echinatum faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching throughout its Brazilian Cerrado range, with habitat conversion accelerating in recent decades. Selective logging targets this palm for its valuable timber and heart-of-palm, while frequent anthropogenic fires degrade remaining populations. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns critical for seedling establishment and survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This palm species inhabits gallery forests, woodland savannas, and transitional zones within the Brazilian Cerrado biome. It typically occurs along seasonal watercourses and in areas with well-drained soils at elevations between 400-1,200 meters.

Savanna· major

Conservation measures underway

Ex-situ conservation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Astrocaryum echinatum classified as Vulnerable?
Astrocaryum echinatum 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. Astrocaryum echinatum faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching throughout its Brazilian Cerrado range, with habitat conversion accelerating in recent decades. Selective logging targets this palm for its valuable timber and heart-of-palm, while frequent anthropogenic fires degrade remaining populations. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns critical for seedling establishment and survival.
Where does Astrocaryum echinatum live?
Astrocaryum echinatum 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 Astrocaryum echinatum?
The main threats to Astrocaryum echinatum 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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