Ceroxylon quindiuense
CR

Ceroxylon quindiuense

Declining

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceroxylon_quindiuense

Overview

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

Ceroxylon quindiuense faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation for agricultural expansion and cattle ranching in Colombia's montane cloud forests. The species is further threatened by selective logging for its valuable palm hearts and construction materials, while climate change is shifting suitable habitat zones upslope beyond the species' elevational range. Urban development and infrastructure projects continue to fragment remaining populations in the Cordillera Central.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Colombian palm inhabits montane cloud forests between 1,800-3,000 meters elevation in the Cordillera Central of the Andes. It requires the persistent moisture and cool temperatures of these high-altitude cloud forest ecosystems, often growing on steep slopes with rich, well-drained volcanic soils.

Conservation measures underway

Ex-situ conservation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Ceroxylon quindiuense classified as Critically Endangered?
Ceroxylon quindiuense 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. Ceroxylon quindiuense faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation for agricultural expansion and cattle ranching in Colombia's montane cloud forests. The species is further threatened by selective logging for its valuable palm hearts and construction materials, while climate change is shifting suitable habitat zones upslope beyond the species' elevational range. Urban development and infrastructure projects continue to fragment remaining populations in the Cordillera Central.
Where does Ceroxylon quindiuense live?
Ceroxylon quindiuense occurs in Colombia, and Venezuela. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Ceroxylon quindiuense?
The main threats to Ceroxylon quindiuense are 11.1, 2.1, 5.1, and ai-1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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