Cephalocereus totolapensis
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Cephalocereus totolapensis faces severe pressure from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and urban development in its restricted range in Oaxaca, Mexico. The species is particularly vulnerable to collection for ornamental trade, as columnar cacti are highly sought after by collectors. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that could disrupt the delicate water balance this desert species requires.
Habitat
This columnar cactus is endemic to the dry tropical forests and xerophytic scrublands of the Tehuantepec region in Oaxaca, Mexico. It grows on rocky slopes and canyon walls at elevations between 200-800 meters, typically in areas with well-drained soils and seasonal rainfall patterns.
