CR

Ceratozamia kuesteriana

Declining

Overview

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

Ceratozamia kuesteriana faces severe population decline due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development in its restricted range in Veracruz, Mexico. The species is further threatened by illegal collection for the horticultural trade, as cycads are highly valued ornamental plants. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the specific microclimate conditions this endemic species requires in its cloud forest habitat.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic cycad inhabits cloud forests and humid montane forests in the Sierra Madre Oriental of Veracruz, Mexico, typically growing on steep slopes with well-drained soils at elevations between 800-1,200 meters. The species requires the specific microclimate conditions provided by persistent cloud cover and high humidity levels characteristic of these montane ecosystems.

Rocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recoveryAwareness & communicationsLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Ceratozamia kuesteriana classified as Critically Endangered?
Ceratozamia kuesteriana 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 kuesteriana faces severe population decline due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development in its restricted range in Veracruz, Mexico. The species is further threatened by illegal collection for the horticultural trade, as cycads are highly valued ornamental plants. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the specific microclimate conditions this endemic species requires in its cloud forest habitat.
Where does Ceratozamia kuesteriana live?
Ceratozamia kuesteriana 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 kuesteriana?
The main threats to Ceratozamia kuesteriana are 2.1, 5.3, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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