Turbinicarpus hoferi
CR

Turbinicarpus hoferi

Declining

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

Overview

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

Turbinicarpus hoferi faces severe threats from illegal collection for the international cactus trade, driven by its rarity and distinctive appearance. The species' extremely limited range in northeastern Mexico makes entire populations vulnerable to overcollection by specialized cactus collectors. Habitat degradation from livestock grazing and agricultural expansion further compounds pressure on remaining populations, while climate change threatens the specific microhabitat conditions this species requires.

Threat summary

Habitat

This critically endangered cactus inhabits limestone hills and rocky outcrops in the Chihuahuan Desert of northeastern Mexico, typically growing in crevices and on steep slopes between 1,000-1,500 meters elevation. It requires well-drained calcareous soils and specific microclimatic conditions provided by the shelter of rocks and sparse desert shrubland.

Shrubland· majorRocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionLegislation

Other threatened species in CACTACEAE

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Turbinicarpus horripilus

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Opuntia pachyrrhiza

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Opuntia megarrhiza

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Threatened in Belgium

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Lepiota echinella

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Lyophyllum deliberatum

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Scarce BlackneckCR

Scarce Blackneck

Lygephila craccae

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Common Fire SalamanderVU

Common Fire Salamander

Salamandra salamandra

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Turbinicarpus hoferi classified as Critically Endangered?
Turbinicarpus hoferi is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Turbinicarpus hoferi faces severe threats from illegal collection for the international cactus trade, driven by its rarity and distinctive appearance. The species' extremely limited range in northeastern Mexico makes entire populations vulnerable to overcollection by specialized cactus collectors. Habitat degradation from livestock grazing and agricultural expansion further compounds pressure on remaining populations, while climate change threatens the specific microhabitat conditions this species requires.
Where does Turbinicarpus hoferi live?
Turbinicarpus hoferi occurs in Belgium, and Mexico. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Turbinicarpus hoferi?
The main threats to Turbinicarpus hoferi 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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