CR

Ceratozamia santillanii

Declining

Overview

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

Ceratozamia santillanii faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and cattle ranching in its limited range in Veracruz, Mexico. The species is further endangered by illegal collection for the horticultural trade, as cycads are highly prized by collectors. 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 at elevations between 800-1,200 meters. It requires the specific microclimate conditions provided by persistent cloud cover and high humidity levels characteristic of these threatened ecosystems.

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

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionLegislation

Other threatened species in ZAMIACEAE

CR

Encephalartos macrostrobilus

Declining
EN

Zamia splendens

Declining
CR

Zamia wallisii

Declining
CR

Zamia lucayana

Unknown

Threatened in Mexico

EN

Turbinicarpus horripilus

Declining
CR

Turbinicarpus mandragora

Declining
EN

Opuntia pachyrrhiza

Declining
EN

Arachnothryx tacanensis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Ceratozamia santillanii classified as Critically Endangered?
Ceratozamia santillanii 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 santillanii faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and cattle ranching in its limited range in Veracruz, Mexico. The species is further endangered by illegal collection for the horticultural trade, as cycads are highly prized by collectors. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the specific microclimate conditions this endemic species requires in its cloud forest habitat.
Where does Ceratozamia santillanii live?
Ceratozamia santillanii 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 santillanii?
The main threats to Ceratozamia santillanii 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.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.