VU

Barberton Cycad

Encephalartos paucidentatus

Declining

Overview

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

Encephalartos paucidentatus faces severe pressure from illegal collection for the horticultural trade, where mature specimens command extremely high prices due to their rarity and slow growth rates. Habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited South African range compounds these pressures. The species' extremely slow reproductive cycle, taking decades to reach maturity, makes population recovery exceptionally difficult once numbers decline.

Threat summary

Habitat

This cycad species inhabits rocky outcrops and steep slopes in grassland and savanna regions of South Africa's eastern provinces. It typically grows in well-drained soils among scattered trees and shrubs, often in areas with seasonal rainfall patterns.

Forest· majorRocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoveryAwareness & communicationsLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Barberton Cycad classified as Vulnerable?
Barberton Cycad 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. Encephalartos paucidentatus faces severe pressure from illegal collection for the horticultural trade, where mature specimens command extremely high prices due to their rarity and slow growth rates. Habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited South African range compounds these pressures. The species' extremely slow reproductive cycle, taking decades to reach maturity, makes population recovery exceptionally difficult once numbers decline.
Where does Barberton Cycad live?
Barberton Cycad occurs in Eswatini, and South Africa. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Barberton Cycad?
The main threats to Barberton Cycad 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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