CR

Turbinicarpus alonsoi

Declining

Overview

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

Turbinicarpus alonsoi faces severe threats from illegal collection for the international cactus trade, driven by its rarity and distinctive appearance. The species' extremely restricted 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.

Threat summary

Habitat

This critically endangered cactus inhabits limestone hills and rocky outcrops in the Chihuahuan Desert of northeastern Mexico. It grows in crevices and on steep slopes where thin soils accumulate, typically at elevations between 1,000-1,500 meters in areas with sparse shrubland vegetation.

Shrubland· majorRocky areas· majorDesert· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Turbinicarpus alonsoi classified as Critically Endangered?
Turbinicarpus alonsoi 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 alonsoi faces severe threats from illegal collection for the international cactus trade, driven by its rarity and distinctive appearance. The species' extremely restricted 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.
Where does Turbinicarpus alonsoi live?
Turbinicarpus alonsoi 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 Turbinicarpus alonsoi?
The main threats to Turbinicarpus alonsoi 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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