CR

Ceratozamia huastecorum

Declining

Overview

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

Ceratozamia huastecorum faces severe population decline due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching in the cloud forests of eastern Mexico. The species is further threatened by illegal collection for the horticultural trade, as cycads are highly prized by collectors. Deforestation for coffee plantations and urban development continues to fragment the remaining populations in the Sierra Madre Oriental.

Threat summary

Habitat

This cycad species inhabits cloud forests and pine-oak forests in the Sierra Madre Oriental of eastern Mexico, typically growing on steep slopes at elevations between 800-1,500 meters. It thrives in the humid, misty conditions of these montane forests with well-drained soils and partial shade beneath the forest canopy.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical moist montane· majorRocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recoveryAwareness & communicationsLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Ceratozamia huastecorum classified as Critically Endangered?
Ceratozamia huastecorum 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. Ceratozamia huastecorum faces severe population decline due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching in the cloud forests of eastern Mexico. The species is further threatened by illegal collection for the horticultural trade, as cycads are highly prized by collectors. Deforestation for coffee plantations and urban development continues to fragment the remaining populations in the Sierra Madre Oriental.
Where does Ceratozamia huastecorum live?
Ceratozamia huastecorum 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 Ceratozamia huastecorum?
The main threats to Ceratozamia huastecorum are 2.1, 5.4, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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